User Needs for Forecast Verification Information: A General Aviation Perspective

Bruce Landsberg

Airline Owners and Pilots Association

Frederick, Maryland

General aviation is one of the most weather critical/dependent consumers of aviation weather forecasts. An error that may seem insignificant to other users who fly more weather tolerant aircraft can have a huge operational impact on light aircraft. A sudden increase in wind, decreased ceiling or visibility could mean a diversion at best or an accident at worst. The discussion will focus on how the forecast information is used, how it might be improved, and a quick overview of the SkySpotter program.