Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Often, turbulence is the harbinger of mountain waves, not the ideal ceiling—and visibility unlimited—day. FAA weather charts can help for higher altitudes but when just a few thousand feet agl, they may be less useful. We experienced moderate turbulence even at our gate. I flew into that and the venturi effect that day.

Turbulence 89

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 89

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 6, 2024

The route is simple, GPS direct, but…there’s my personal 1,000-foot en route ceiling requirement, and those silly Smoky Mountains. But if I was going VFR over strange territory, I would want lots more than 1,000 feet agl. The 1,000-foot en route ceiling means that approach minimums never come into question.

Airplanes 83

Airplanes Weather Ceiling Turbulence 83

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

KCPC was reporting IFR conditions with a 700’ ceiling and one mile visibility. Unicom also confirmed the weather was still showing a 700’ ceiling with one mile of visibility. I immediately leveled off at around 650’ AGL, and began slowing down. Tuning in the AWOS, I heard an unpleasant surprise. My voice had also returned.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

The conditions were a mile of visibility and about 500 feet of ragged ceiling, barely enough to maintain orientation by landmarks passing below. A low ceiling absolutely ends a planned flight, though visibility may be the legal determining factor in some situations.

Weather 69

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 69

Air Facts

APRIL 24, 2024

We had light winds, good visibility, full cloud cover, and ample ceiling heights. But, with a frontal system approaching, the conditions were expected to worsen over the hours subsequent to our passing through, including the chance for moderate to severe turbulence. But the turbulence would continue to worsen.

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Wind Shear Final Approach Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

The conditions were a mile of visibility and about 500 feet of ragged ceiling, barely enough to maintain orientation by landmarks passing below. A low ceiling absolutely ends a planned flight, though visibility may be the legal determining factor in some situations.

Weather 52

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Cloud ceilings below 1,500 feet or cumulonimbus clouds can trigger a SPECI. Expect poor visibility, increased turbulence, and slippery runway surfaces. This information is vital for determining cloud ceilings, especially during landing approaches. Low cloud ceilings, especially below 1,500 feet, lower visibility in VFR.

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Weather Wind Shear Runway 52