Pilots who have some extra time over the holiday weekend might want to spend 45 minutes to improve their understanding of the weather and enhance their safety. The latest free course in the online Weather Wise series offered by AOPA’s Air Safety Foundation addresses icing and precipitation, two of the worst weather-related dangers pilots face. “An alarming number of pilots become accident statistics because too many of them underestimate the dangers of precipitation and icing,” said Bruce Landsberg, executive director of the ASF. “This course will remind them how to recognize the hazards… develop a strategy for avoidance, and react appropriately if and when they encounter unexpected conditions.” You must create an account to log on and take the course, but it’s free and available to all pilots, not just AOPA members. Those who pass the quiz at the end can qualify for the FAA Wings proficiency program.
And if you don’t get to it this weekend, no problem; it will remain online indefinitely. Other courses available at ASF include programs on decision-making, navigating, using GPS, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, and more.
