An Analysis of Preflight Weather Briefings

Abstract

Weather plays a factor in general aviation (GA) accidents and mishaps. This study documented the types of weather information that GA pilots requested and received from automated flight service stations (AFSS), and how this information might influence flight planning and weather–based decisions. An analysis was performed on 306 GA pilot telephone conversations with AFSS preflight specialists. Approximately 78% of the pilots requested a preflight briefing and specialists relayed these items: Weather synopsis, sky conditions, visibility, weather at the departure, en route, and destination point. In 15.4% of the calls, pilots declined reflight weather briefings but AFSS still relayed weather synopsis and sky conditions in addition to weather conditions that might be significant during flight. Whether by requesting additional information or receiving weather information, 31 pilots decided to change their flight plans. Surprisingly, 27% of the pilots when told “VFR Flight Not Recommended” filed a VFR flight plan anyway.