The FAA Safety Team reminded general aviation pilots in an August 26 advisory that while they might have access to myriad weather information sources today, understanding how to get that information, interpret it, and use it for flight planning is paramount to safe flying. While tests for most pilot certificates cover weather theory and use of weather products, “it takes continuous study and experience to develop your skill in evaluating and applying weather data to a specific flight,” the FAA explained.

There are a few steps pilots should consider before a flight. One is to consider how weather could affect the flight, such as turbulence and visibility. Are you proficient enough in weather analysis to safely overcome such conditions? Is your airplane’s performance equally up to the challenge? An older airplane without weather avoidance technology will limit the weather flying abilities of even the most skilled pilot. Likewise, an airplane loaded with all the latest weather technology isn’t going to provide much help to a pilot with novice weather-flying experience. 

“One way to ‘self-check’ your decision [regardless of your experience] is to ask yourself if the flight has any chance of appearing in the next day’s newspaper,” the FAA said. “If the result of the evaluation process leaves you in any doubt, then you need to develop safe alternatives.”

The FAA also suggests as part of the preflight weather planning process that pilots also think about:

• Escape routes Identify where you can find good weather that’s within reach of your airplane’s range and endurance, including the time it will take and the direction to turn. It also recommends pilots plan for an alternative airport for each 25 to 30 nm segment of their route should the weather turn to IMC.

• Reserve fuel Plan to have more fuel than what a legal fuel reserve calls for. “Having plenty of fuel also spares you the worry (and distraction) of fearing fuel exhaustion when weather has already increased your cockpit workload,” the FAA added.

• Terrain avoidance Know just how low you can go while avoiding trees, mountains, or structures along the route.

Lastly, the FAA recommends pilots fly regularly with an instructor who will challenge them on their weather flying knowledge.