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Previous research suggests that a lack of weather knowledge and poor usability of weather displays may be contributing to aviation weather-related accidents. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceived usability and performance of pilots while using different parts of the Aviation Weather Center (AWC) website. On average, pilots rated Radar the highest, followed by Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), and then Satellite on the System Usability Scale. Performance measures and the post-study interview revealed further insight into what aspects of the AWC are giving pilots difficulties.

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Prior to departing on a flight, General Aviation pilots complete a preflight planning process to ensure the safety of their flight. One aspect of the preflight planning process is obtaining a briefing on the weather conditions that the pilot might encounter along their flight route. Traditionally pilots have utilized a phone-in service, run by Flight Services, to aid in their assessment of weather conditions; however, research indicates that pilots are increasingly reliant on conducting self- briefing using online resources. The purpose of this study is to determine pilot perceptions of obtaining a phone-in brief in comparison to self-briefing.

Weather-related accidents have one of the highest accident and fatality rates in General Aviation. Weather training is highly variable depending on the source of instruction, and it is essential to emphasize the importance of weather training and identify strategies to engage GA pilots in improving their weather knowledge. Gamification, the use of game elements in a non-gaming context, exists as a tool that could aid in the improvement of aviation weather training. This paper provides background on gamification theory including the motivations, user types, and specific gamification elements used in training. It also emphasizes the relevance of the theories in the realm of aviation weather training. Furthermore, this paper recommends aspects of gamification most relevant to GA pilot training. With further testing, the implementation of gamification in aviation weather instruction may yield improved outcomes in training.

Visual flight rules (VFR) operations into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), is one of the deadliest causes of weather-related accidents in the General Aviation (GA) community. Current weather training for GA pilots is inadequate. This paper describes the design and development of three weather training modules and provides research-based recommendations for the development of future training modules for aviation weather. Recommendations include incorporating simulation-based training, utilizing available materials, prioritizing accessibility, accounting for changing technology, maintaining high cognitive fidelity, and using a multidisciplinary team approach.