Effects of NEXRAD Graphical Data Resolution and Direct Weather Viewing on Pilot Judgments of Weather Severity and Willingness to Continue Flight

Abstract

We conducted a study to determine how variations in displayed NEXRAD weather data resolution interact with the pilot's direct view of weather. Each of 32 pilots was assigned to one of four groups; 8km, 4km, or 2km resolution, and a baseline condition without NEXRAD. Each flew the simulator from Santa Rosa, NM, with the intent to land at Albuquerque. Heavy precipitation moved into the area during the flight, and pilots were required to decide, using both the NEXRAD data and their out-the-window view, whether to continue or to divert to an alternate airport. Pilots spent more time looking at higher-resolution images than at the lower-resolution ones. Baseline- and 2km-condition pilots deferred their decisions longer than did the other two groups. Post-test NEXRAD image judgments reinforced the notion that higher-resolution images are likely to encourage pilots to continue flights with the expectation that they can fly around or between significant weather features.