Evaluating an Education/Training Module to Foster Knowledge of Cockpit Weather Technology

Background: Previous research has indicated that general aviation (GA) pilots may use the sophisticated meteorological information available to them via a variety of Next-Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) based weather products in a manner that actually decreases flight safety. Methods: The current study examined an education/training method designed to enable GA pilots to use NEXRAD-based products effectively in convective weather situations. The training method was lecture combined with paper-based scenario exercises. Results: A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that subjects in the training condition performed significantly better than did subjects in the control condition on several knowledge and attitude measures. Subjects in the training condition improved from a mean score of 66% to 80% on the radar-knowledge test and from 62% to 75% on the scenario-knowledge test. Discussion: Although additional research is needed, these results demonstrated that pilots can benefit from a well-designed education/training program involving specific areas of aviation weather-related knowledge.