Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Often, turbulence is the harbinger of mountain waves, not the ideal ceiling—and visibility unlimited—day. Eighty-knot tailwinds aloft and higher-than-normal temperature difference between the surface and aloft. Think of the Great Basin High as a set of bellows pointed at southeastern Wyoming. So why was that flight so rotten?

Turbulence 89

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 89

Air Facts

AUGUST 5, 2024

For Runway 35, we see a takeoff ninimum of 400-2 or standard with a minimum climb of 343’ per nautical mile to 5,200′ Remember, the basic assumption is that you are IFR and have a limited ceiling and visibility. That’s a big difference from standard isn’t it? Remember seeing that 5,200′ in the previous set of conditions?

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Ceiling Runway Weather 98

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 14, 2024

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. Pilots need to consider the performance of the aircraft as well as the update rate for a specific product.

Weather 59

Weather AGL Flight Deck Pilot 59

Air Facts

AUGUST 16, 2024

With a screaming tailwind, I was seeing a groundspeed of 185 kts at 6,500 feet. This had the effect of a rapid reduction of airspeed (to 80 knots) as the autopilot fought to maintain altitude. On the other side of the wave, the airspeed increased to 150 knots. The next day was VFR with some lower cloud ceilings along the way.

Weather 98

Weather Knot Ceiling Turbulence 98