Diverting for weather represents one of aviation’s most important risk management skills. In Safer Pilot Challenge Day 15, Jason Schappert explains why decision-making continues after departure and evolves throughout the flight.
Decision Making Continues In Flight
Many pilots focus on preflight go or no-go choices. Diverting for weather requires ongoing evaluation during flight. Conditions can deteriorate faster than forecasts predict.
Information Quality Matters
Accurate weather data supports sound decisions. ADS-B weather contains inherent delays. Comparing multiple sources improves situational awareness during changing conditions.
VFR and IFR Weather Transitions
Airports can transition rapidly between VFR and IFR. Clear skies nearby may hide deteriorating conditions ahead. Monitoring updates prevents surprise weather encounters.
Personal Minimums Guide Choices
Established personal minimums remove emotion from decisions. Diverting for weather becomes easier when limits exist before departure. These limits reduce pressure during high-stress moments.
Avoiding Behavioral Traps
External pressures influence poor choices. Get-there-itis narrows attention and reduces flexibility. Safe pilots prioritize options over schedules.
Using ATC as a Resource
Controllers provide weather updates and routing options. Declining a suggested path remains acceptable. Alternate routing often reduces risk without significant delay.
Alternates Should Stay Viable
An alternate must offer improved conditions. Choosing an alternate with worse weather adds risk. A 180-degree turn often remains the safest option.
Risk Management Is Continuous
Weather decisions evolve with fatigue, stress, and workload. Awareness of internal and external pressures supports better outcomes. Diverting for weather protects long-term safety.
Guidance on VFR and IFR Weather
The Aviation Weather Center provides current weather information for pilots to reference. This information is crucial for pilots to navigate using VFR and IFR, and what conditions are suitable for each.
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