This study was designed to examine the role of cue utilization, perceptions, and measures of operational experience in the interpretation of a scenario involving the interpretation of weather radar returns. A total of 47 qualified pilots completed EXPERTise 2.0, an online assessment of cue utilization in the context of weather radar systems. They also completed a scenario involving the interpretation of weather radar returns which required an assessment as to whether they could continue the flight safely in the absence of a change in track or altitude. Consistent with research in other domains, the results revealed a relationship between performance and cue utilization. No relationships were evident on the basis of flight experience nor the inclination to use or trust weather radar systems. The results provide the basis for a tool that might be employed to assess pilots’ cue utilization, thereby enabling more targeted approaches to pilot training and weather radar system design.
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