What do pilots primarily rely on real-time data provided by weather radar for?

Pilots primarily rely on real-time data provided by weather radar to navigate around severe weather. Weather radar is an essential tool that allows pilots to see weather conditions ahead, including the location and intensity of storms. By interpreting this data, pilots can make informed decisions about their flight path, ensuring they avoid hazardous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, or turbulence associated with severe weather.

This capability is crucial for maintaining safety during flight operations, as navigating around severe weather helps reduce the risk of encountering adverse conditions that could impact the aircraft's performance or passenger comfort. Understanding weather patterns and making timely adjustments to the course based on radar data enhances the overall effectiveness of the flight and keeps the passengers and crew safe.

Other options, while they may play a role in aviation safety and operations, do not primarily utilize the capabilities of weather radar in the same way. For example, managing fuel usage and estimating flight times are typically based on flight planning and operational efficiency, while flying above turbulence is often a byproduct of navigating around severe weather but not the primary function of using weather radar.