During the familiarization flights, colleagues from the Observatory have the opportunity to witness firsthand how pilots acquire the latest weather information and respond to different weather conditions in the cockpit. This leaves a profound impression on the participating colleagues, and highlighted the importance of aviation weather services to the aviation industry. High-quality aviation weather information allows pilots and crew members to be well-prepared when dealing with adverse weather situations, thereby enhancing flight safety and ensuring the regularity and efficiency of air traffic operations. The first-hand experience of encountering significant weather in flight as well as direct exchanges with pilots are useful for enhancement of the Observatory's aviation weather services.

Apart from adverse weather, various atmospheric conditions are encountered along flight routes. Different kinds of atmospheric phenomena may therefore be observed en-route. For example, when an aircraft flies over the clouds made up of liquid water droplets, with the right alignment of sunlight, one may observe the aircraft’s shadow surrounded by alternating reddish and bluish rings. This phenomenon, known as a “glory”, is one of the atmospheric optical phenomena often be observed during flight (Figure 2). If encountered at high altitudes below the freezing point, it may even serve as a sign of potential icing conditions that needs attention. These various observations during flight help deepen the participating colleagues’ understanding of aviation meteorology.