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Real World Weather

Pop quiz:  Nearly 75 percent of weather-related accidents are fatal. True or False?

That’s absolutely true. Plus, weather is consistently among the leading causes of fatal fixed-wing general aviation accidents. Take a look at ASI’s Nall Report for more information about specific categories of weather-related accidents, such as VFR into IMC, icing, and thunderstorms.

Weather is the single biggest variable in flying, and some situations tempt smart pilots to make not-so-smart choice. That’s why a pilot can never have too much education on the subject. In addition to the numerous online courses, quizzes, videos, and other products, the Air Safety Institute (ASI) has developed a program that your entire flying club can participate in together.

This September through December, ASI is presenting a brand-new seminar topic, Real World Weather, at nearly 100 locations nationwide. If you’re looking for a fun new way to hold a flying club safety meeting, join us at one of our seminars. It’s educational and it’s fun, so bring the entire club!

Nearly every pilot has stories about how weather has played a role in their decision to delay or cancel a flight. Weather can turn a long-awaited vacation into a long wait at the FBO, a quick two-hour flight into a tedious four-hour slog, or a stress-free jaunt into a skill-testing ordeal. The variations are infinite, but for pilots it all boils down to two questions: What’s really going on out there, and what does it mean for me?

The Real World Weather seminar takes a no-nonsense look at how you can get better, more complete weather information—and make better, more informed decisions as a result. You’ll learn more about weather hazards that are typical in each region of the country, tips that you can easily apply to your flying, online flight planning tools, weather-related accidents and the factors that led to them, weather products that you may not know about…and one that may be going away.

To find dates and locations near you, visit http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/seminars.

Safe pilots are always learning, and the Air Safety Institute’s goal is to ensure pilots have a wealth of information to keep flying safely. Our educational programs are funded through donations from pilots dedicated to forwarding that mission. Show your support by donating to the AOPA Foundation today.

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