In Episode 107 of the Aviation Insurance Podcast, host Tim Bonnell Jr. welcomes Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather Solutions, to explore how outdated weather infrastructure and low-altitude forecasting gaps are becoming critical risks in modern aviation, especially with the rise of drones, AAM, and pilotless operations.

From Air Force command to launching a private weather tech company, Don shares an insider’s perspective on how better weather data could reduce cancellations, increase flight time, and save lives and money.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:01 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather

01:17 – Air Force Meteorology to Private Innovation

02:51 – How Weather Shaped Don’s Risk Management Philosophy

05:20 – Why Today’s Weather Data Isn’t Enough for AAM & Drones

08:25 – Flying Blind: The Cost of Weather Uncertainty

10:12 – Cutting Military Weather Delays in Half — Without New Data

13:29 – Weather’s Role in Aircraft & Drone Incidents

16:11 – The Local Weather Problem: Why METAR Isn't Enough

17:30 – New ASTM Standards & Affordable Sensor Tech

19:28 – A New Model: Infrastructure-as-a-Service for Aviation Weather

22:42 – Is Climate Change Driving Insurance Losses?

24:12 – Hailstorms, Data Gaps, and High-Stakes Decision Making

27:10 – Closing Thoughts: Clean Slate Thinking in Aviation Weather

 Disclaimer:


🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for aviators, drone operators, risk managers, and insurers who want to stay ahead of aviation’s evolving climate challenges.