The State of Professional Pilot Meteorology Education: How Much Is Enough?

Abstract

In January, 1989, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) sponsored the Third International Conference on the Aviation Weather System. A prevailing theme, "pilot deficiencies in weather education," became the impetus for the Professional Pilot's Meteorology Training Standards Conference held at the United States Air Force Academy, April, 1989. Many military and civilian organizations, including five University Aviation Association member schools, were represented. The attendees included pilots, meteorologists, trainers, and other educators. Two primary goals of the conference were: (1) to attempt to develop a minimum set of meteorological objectives for all professional pilots, and (2) to initiate dialogue between pilots and meteorologists. The conference confirmed that diversity rules in meteorology education in the professional pilot training curricula. Although a list of objectives was developed, disagreement continues concerning professional pilot needs in terms of meteorology. The true success of the conference was the establishment of a viable network of pilots, meteorologists, and the organizations responsible for pilot training and for providing weather information to pilots. Military and civilian working groups were created, each with a distinct agenda. Participants concur that more communication and cooperation are essential to further define the needs of weather education for professional pilots.