Master weather risk management in aviation. Learn how instructors can guide students through challenging conditions for safer flights. Understand when to fly or wait.

Understanding the Risks

According to EASA, ‘Negative training’ means training which unintentionally introduces incorrect information or invalid concepts, which could actually decrease rather than increase safety

Bad weather is one of aviation’s greatest hazards. It’s essential for the student to fully understand its risks, and for instructors to exercise caution when weather conditions are less than ideal

The Instructor's Responsibility

Instructors, who may be more focused on earning €50 per hour flight pay or accumulating flight hours to move on to a “proper helicopter job” might be tempted to fly in poor conditions. However, this approach can lead to negative training. It’s crucial to understand that weather conditions can introduce significant dangers

For ab-initio pilots, the concept of weather threat management should be introduced from day one. Here's what needs to be considered when training in bad weather

Underestimation

Students may not assess the weather properly, leading to a poor risk assessment, which can affect future flight decision-making

Misunderstanding

Students might fail to follow standard operating procedures, legal requirements, or their own limitations when making decisions about whether to go, delay, or cancel a flight.

Complacency

Previous experiences with bad weather without negative consequences may lead to overconfidence, making students feel they can fly in poor weather

Stress

Flying in challenging weather can induce stress, which hinders learning and reduces the effectiveness of the training

As an instructor, you’re a role model. Your decision-making, especially in weather-related situations, will shape how students handle similar challenges in the future

When to Fly in Bad Weather

That said, there are situations where flying in bad weather is essential for training. Once students have mastered the basics, it’s important to expose them to some of the more advanced weather-related challenges they might face in real-world flying

What to Do: Teach students how to handle poor weather conditions, such as turning around, diverting, or landing and waiting - PPL Exercise 25(b) in the EASA World. It’s important for students to recognize how to assess inflight visibility, cloud base, and anticipate weather changes

Poor Judgment: If a student insists on flying when weather is poor, use it as a teaching moment. Demonstrate the errors made and emphasize the importance of making accurate weather assessments for future flights

High Winds: Toward the end of training, flying in high winds and turbulence can be valuable, not to show off your own skills, but to teach students the necessary techniques to handle a helicopter in challenging conditions

It’s not about pushing limits but preparing for unexpected situations