Share where you get your weather

This is AOPA’s seventh time collecting the weather data, which investigates how pilots access and use weather information, while looking for notable trends within the data and using it to advocate on behalf of the general aviation community.

As we all know, aviation is heavily impacted by the weather and its unpredictability. According to recent data collected by AOPA, 30 percent of current aircraft owners ranked weather as one of the top three challenges to owning an aircraft. Further, 70 percent of pilots have had to cancel or modify flight plans in the last three months because of inclement weather.

The AOPA survey team will collect weather survey data on a biennial basis going forward. The most recent results, published in 2022, found little change in the resources pilots use for weather data in all phases of flight. Pilots in the continental United States primarily refer to aviation apps and flight service, while pilots in Alaska primarily consult FAA weather cameras and flight service specialists. The survey also elicited plenty of responses that suggested pilots wish to see the FAA weather camera program expanded and updated across the country.

“I highly encourage pilots to participate in the survey,” said Jim McClay, AOPA director of airspace, air traffic, and security. “The data we collect informs our collaboration with the FAA and aviation weather vendors, giving us feedback on where we can improve.”

The short survey poses questions about the respondents’ general demographic information as well as weather-related questions from a personal perspective as a GA pilot.

A previous call for responses to the 2024 survey was sent to AOPA members by email, but technical issues resulted in some errant links. Get direct access to the survey here—it will remain open for submission through the end of April.

Respondents can contact AOPA via email if they have any questions or comments.