Plane and Pilot

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Flight idle and nose down, which normally produced a 2,000-3,000-feet descent rate, resulted in a 2,000-feet-per-minute climb. We had been lifted above our assigned altitude.” We continued our descent into Great Falls, leaving “the wave” behind and above. We had just been caught by Mother Nature’s roller coaster.

Turbulence 97

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 97

Air Facts

AUGUST 21, 2024

A steep bank and strong pull is required for each turn, and I watch the airspeed and lift reserve indicator (LRI) to make sure I do not do anything stupid. My Sonex cruises about 130 mph at this power setting, but headed southeast into the wind I am losing an easy 15 mph on my groundspeed.

Groundspeed 98

Groundspeed Runway Approach Crosswind 98

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

At the current groundspeed, I believed it shouldn’t be of much concern unless the cell began producing lightning. I requested a descent from 6,000’ down to 4,000’ and was denied due to traffic. I was soon cleared to descend to 4,000’ and entered IMC during the descent while I located the approach chart to brief.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98