Taking to the skies on a clear and calm day is one of the most electrifying experiences known to mankind... well actually, pilots would know what I mean. But civil aviation pilots who are rated for VFR, or visual flight rules, need good weather to fly safely and legally. The question is however, should a civil aviation VFR pilot fly only when weather is calm, clear, and near perfect? The answer any flight instructor would promptly proclaim is absolutely not. Flying an airplane under visual flight rules requires a minimum visibility as well as the ability to remain clear of the clouds at specific distances depending on airspace and time of day. With all airplanes, wind also becomes a consideration. The maximum crosswind component of each individual aircraft is clearly defined in the pilot's operating handbook. Exceeding this maximum wind rating can be catastrophic. Can a civil aviation pilot gain confidence if he or she never pushes the envelope regarding flying weather?

Checking aviation weather websites and obtaining a weather briefing are the first steps in determining whether legal VFR conditions exist, but the five senses are much more important in determining acceptable weather conditions once the pilot is actually at the airport. The local weather reports the cloud ceiling and visibility well above VFR minimums, but what happens when the pilot arrives at the airfield to find the weather a bit less appealing? Maybe even plenty more wind than expected? Let's say, a horizontal windsock, for instance. The pilot must then make a go or no-go decision based on the observed weather minimums. Pilot confidence becomes a factor here. How can a pilot develop confidence without the experience of flying in less than perfect weather? Cloud clearance and visibility are only one aspect of aviation weather. The wind is the other major factor influencing a pilot's decision to get airborne and fly or stay safely on the ground. Flying on perfect days with little or no wind is enjoyable however it is not the recommended method of building pilot confidence. The crosswind limitation for every aircraft is documented in the appropriate operating handbook for safety. A pilot who is willing to safely push his or her personal limits flying intentionally on windy days prepares him or herself for flying into poor weather conditions unexpectedly.

There is no question a civil aviation pilot builds confidence with experience. Weather is always a primary concern in the world of aviation regardless of the aircraft or the pilot and if a pilot wants to build confidence regarding imperfect weather, then it's time to go flying. Many pilots request the company of a certified flight instructor to aid in confidence building during less than optimum flying weather as this is always beneficial. There is no question, however, that pilot confidence goes hand-in-hand with flying experience.