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Evaluation of Graphical Weather Product Interpretation: Implications for Overlaying Weather Product Design
General Aviation Weather Display Interpretation
  • Nicholas DeFilippis, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Jayde King, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Thomas A Guinn, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
  • yolanda Ortiz, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Quirijn Berendschot, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Amber Cole, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Beth Blickensderfer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Abstract

The majority of Aviation Weather-related accidents occur in the General Aviation (GA) community. In order to improve pilot safety, the FAA and Aviation Weather Center are working towards developing tools which have an improved level of effectiveness. Unfortunately, shortcomings in the interpretability of these tools can lead to further dangerous situations. The new Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) tool is an unfortunate example. The GFA is composed of three previously existing weather displays: Radar, Satellite, and Station Plots. This study assessed and compared pilots’ interpretation of the three displays to assess interpretability. Certified pilots (n = 283) completed a set of weather product interpretation questions. Between and within groups analyses were run to determine the effect of Certificate and/or Rating on product score. Results indicated that pilots have a low-performance in the interpretation of Radar, Satellite and Station Plot products and, in turn, will likely score low with the GFA. Training and usability improvements are also discussed.

Publication date
1-1-2018
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/1541931218621453
Citation Information
Nicholas DeFilippis, Jayde King, Thomas A Guinn, yolanda Ortiz, et al.. "Evaluation of Graphical Weather Product Interpretation: Implications for Overlaying Weather Product Design" (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/thomas_a_guinn/22/