General Aviation Pilots’ Preflight Planning for Weather: A Behavioral Observation Approach

Abstract

General aviation (GA) pilots are increasingly conducting weather self-briefings using online tools rather than consulting with experts, raising questions about the efficacy of these methods. This study used behavioral observation to analyze how 39 certificated GA pilots conducted preflight weather briefings using a simulated flight planning tool across two scenarios involving forecast icing and fog conditions. Participant behavior was compared against benchmark strategies developed by aviation meteorology experts. Researchers recorded product access, sequence, and duration. In both scenarios, pilots frequently overlooked key imagery products and used a linear “next” button to navigate products, often spending less than a second on critical content. These results suggest gaps in pilots’ weather literacy and/or interface usability challenges. This study provides a foundation for the guiding question: Do flight planning apps help rather than hinder pilots during weather planning? Findings support the development of more intuitive, user-centered briefing tools.