1. General Aviation Pilots and their Use of Weather Technology
in Correlation with Age
Wesley Major
Purdue University, Aviation Technology
Abstract
Weather associated accidents are a trend amongst general aviation (GA) pilots. This paper explores the use of weather technology by GA pilots as it relates to age. A nationwide, web-based survey was distributed that drew 675 completed responses. Survey examined the use and the most commonly used weather technologies. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-squared tests were conducted. Results suggest individuals 44 and over age, with-in the GA pilot community, use weather technology advancements in flight operation at a significant frequency, possibly more frequent than younger pilots. The most prevalent technology type used by survey respondents was dedicated apps.
Methodology & Results
Survey was created using Qualtrics, an online data collection software. AOPA, the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), AvWeb, Halldale Group, the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), the University Aviation Association (UAA), and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) assisted in advertising the survey’s web address through each institution’s respected electronic newsletter. Handouts with the survey’s web address were also passed out at Experiential Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVentue 2014 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The national survey was available electronically 5/15/2015 through 9/15/ During that period, 675 surveys were completed. Response data was collected and analyzed using Qualtrics and SPSS Statistics.
Discussion
The survey results demonstrate individuals in the pilot community, ages 44 and over, are accepting and currently using weather technology aids in aircraft operations. This contradicts previous statements made by Loges and Jung [4] and Friemel [3] referencing older generations and their use of technology. All age groups examined currently use weather technology tools in some capacity, but surprisingly, the percentages were higher amongst individuals 44 and older than younger age groups. Chi- squared and ANOVA results confirm a significant effect between age and use of weather technology.
The most commonly used avionic equipment by all respondents was dedicated apps (67.3%), followed by fixed-installed aircraft hardware (59.5%). Mobile flight- specific hardware was reported to be used by 47.9% of survey participants.
While the researchers believe that the size of the survey response gives confidence in the representativeness of the information, a pilot demographic age group (53 to 59) was inadvertently left off of the survey. The survey was distributed exclusively by web-based means; due to this, responses may represent a pilot demographic that is more accepting of technology.
Survey participants were asked if they use any cockpit weather information technology in-flight. A cross-tabulation below shows the highest technology usage, between groups, was associated with the 44 to 52 age cluster (69.4%), followed by individuals who reported to be 60 and over (65.1%). Use of weather technology was reported less in younger pilots.
Introduction
The average age for general aviation (GA) pilots is increasing [1][2]. Many studies have examined the relationship between age and acceptance of new technology into existing activities, and show older generations are less likely to use technology [3][4]. This research examined if GA pilots follow the same tendency. Glass cockpits, have been designed to reduce workload and improve safety [5]. As seen in the figure below, weather related accidents have been a trend over the past 10 years, even with the advancement of new technologies.
Do You Use Weather Technology
Survey results for ‘what is your age? ‘(n= 615)
Research asked survey participants to select all the technology types they currently use in the aircraft they operate. A dedicated application, such as Foreflight or FltPlan for Android and Apple operating systems, ranked high amongst all age groups and was the most prevalent used technology type in the 44 to 52 age group, as well as the 60 and over grouping.
Conclusion
Previous literature states a possible resistance to the use and acquisition of technology in older generations when compared to their younger counter parts. Survey results show pilots are using weather technology aids in aircraft operations, and surprisingly, individuals 44 and over reported to be using this technology more frequently than younger pilots. A wide variety of weather technology is used amongst pilots, with dedicated applications being the most prevalent.
Weather accident trend over 10 year period. From 23rd Joseph T. Nall report: General aviation accidents in 2011, by AOPA
Literature Cited
[1] Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). (n.d.). Aging and the general aviation pilot: Research and recommendations. Retrieved from Proficiency/Accident-Analysis/Special Reports/1302agingpilotreport.pdf
[3] Friemel, T. N. (2014). The digital divide has grown old: Determinants of a digital divide among seniors. New Media & Society. doi:   /
[4] Loges, W. and Jung, J. (2001). Exploring the digital divide: Internet connectedness and age. Communication Research. 28(4), doi:   /
[2] General Aviation Manufacturing Association (GAMA). (2014) General Aviation Statistical Databook & Industry Outlook. Retrieved from databook-and-industry-outlook
[5] Kaminani, S. (2011). Human computer interaction issuses with touch screen interfaces in the flight deck. Digital Avionics Systems Conference (DASC). doi: /DASC
Acknowledgements
This study wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance from FAA, AOPA, AABI, AvWeb, UAA, NAFI, and SAFE. Special thanks to Purdue University for providing the resources and the support to make this study possible
Additional Information
If you would like more information regarding this study please contact Wesley Major via