Effects of NEXRAD Graphical Data Resolution and Direct Weather Viewing on Pilots' Judgments of Weather Severity and Their Willingness to Continue a Flight

摘要

A study was conducted to determine how variations in displayed NEXRAD weather data resolution interact with the pilot's direct view of weather. Pilots (32) were assigned to on of four groups; 8km, 4km, or 2km resolution, and a baseline condition without NEXRAD imagery. Each flew the simulator from Santa Rosa, NM with the intent to land at Albuquerque. Heavy precipitation moved into the area during the flight, and pilots were required to decide, using both the NEXRAD data and their out-the-window view, whether to continue or to divert to an alternate airport. Pilots spent more time looking at higher-resolution images than at the lower-resolution ones. Baseline-and 2km-condition pilots deferred their decisions longer than did the other two groups.