Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

A pit stop at North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (KCRE) was planned, and after a weather briefing, I filed an IFR flight plan. At the current groundspeed, I believed it shouldn’t be of much concern unless the cell began producing lightning. KCPC was reporting IFR conditions with a 700’ ceiling and one mile visibility.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98

Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Often, turbulence is the harbinger of mountain waves, not the ideal ceiling—and visibility unlimited—day. Using my 80-knot tailwind and a stationary wave, my groundspeed and therefore penetration speed through the wave would be 160 knots faster than an upwind approach and theoretically more turbulent. We didn’t test it.

Turbulence 89

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 89

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 14, 2024

Pilots that are comfortable with self-briefing, via FAA Flight Services, or an equivalent means, may use the EFB to display the METI and AI as well as to file flight plans. For example, a pilot of a light twin aircraft, flying at a medium altitude with a tailwind could easily have a groundspeed in excess of 200 knots.

Weather 59

Weather AGL Flight Deck Pilot 59

Air Facts

AUGUST 16, 2024

I fly a Rockwell Commander 114B which I flight plan at 14 gph and 140 kts. It turns out that an Air Canada flight from Toronto to Orlando would have cost $1,646.00 (CND with taxes) but going Air Phil is way more fun. hours flight time. With a screaming tailwind, I was seeing a groundspeed of 185 kts at 6,500 feet.

Weather 98

Weather Knot Ceiling Turbulence 98