Air Facts

OCTOBER 14, 2024

Turbulence Air Facts Journal Space is infinite in its complexity. And tampering our mental reserves with turbulent mischief. Turbulence is unpredictable. All three axis of an aircraft are subject to the vagaries of turbulence. Similar mechanics are at play in clear air turbulence. And there in lurks the adventure.

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Knot Wind Shear Lift 52

Flying Magazine

APRIL 25, 2024

Over the last 25 years, I have been asked to speak on various aviation weather topics at dozens of aviation events and gatherings. During these events, it’s quite common for a pilot to walk up and ask me about how I handled my most challenging flight as it relates to weather. I spent an hour looking at the weather before we departed.

Weather 108

Weather Wind Shear Clearance Turbulence 108

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. Great Falls weather is fair and warm. We experienced moderate turbulence even at our gate.

Turbulence 76

Turbulence Weather Knot Descent 76

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. The Mooney is well-equipped for weather avoidance as it is equipped with a sophisticated spheric lighting detector. We were wheels up around 1:30pm.

Descent 93

Descent Approach Weather AGL 93

Pilot Institute

APRIL 5, 2024

But don’t hang up your headset just because the weather isn’t perfect. A headwind lowers groundspeed , making landing easier. Use weather forecast charts, METARs, and Terminal Area Forecasts (TAFs). Have the winds changed since your departure weather briefing? At non-towered fields, check the AWOS or ASOS.

Crosswind 52

Crosswind Aileron Longitudinal Axis Rudder 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 16, 2024

After refuelling, checking weather, filing my VFR flight plan using ForeFlight, coffee and a washroom break, I launched to my next destination, Greensboro. With a screaming tailwind, I was seeing a groundspeed of 185 kts at 6,500 feet. Flying back was bit more challenging from a weather perspective. hours flight time.

Weather 96

Weather Knot Ceiling Turbulence 96

Professional Pilot

DECEMBER 10, 2024

After 11 hours of flight during our descent to initiate an approach, the airport closed for Category I (CAT I) approaches due to weather. First of all, proper fuel, route and weather planning are key. All of my diversions were weather-related, mostly to thunderstorms. Weather went zero/zero at our primary and alternate airports.

Weather 96

Weather Approach Descent Runway 96