Mitigating inadvertent transitions from visual flight rules to instrument meteorological conditions in general aviation: decision-making strategies, cognitive challenges, and training Implications from an applied cognitive task analysis

This study investigates cognitive strategies of experienced pilots and challenges that less-experienced pilots face during inadvertent transitions from visual flight rules (VFR) to instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in general aviation (GA). Effective weather-related decision-making is critical to preventing GA accidents, yet experienced pilots' proactive IMC-avoidance strategies remain underexplored. Applied cognitive task analysis was conducted with 18 flight instructors. Participants reported employing cognitive strategies such as continuously updating weather trends, contingency planning, and disciplined self-monitoring, drawing on critical environmental and meteorological cues to anticipate IMC. They reported that less-experienced pilots often struggle to detect subtle cue degradation, assess evolving weather patterns, and resist continuation bias. Inadvertent IMC entry increases cognitive demands, including immediately stabilising aircraft, discerning sensory illusions, and regaining situational awareness without visual cues. Findings support training that clarifies diversion triggers (both internal and external) and reinforces trend monitoring to promote timely decisions.