Air Facts

APRIL 24, 2024

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. At first it was just gradually, then more decidedly, evolving into moderate turbulence. But the turbulence would continue to worsen. We weren’t.

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Wind Shear Final Approach Ceiling 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

Considering the delay in the AWOS reporting, it may also be helpful to proactively use the radio to ask anyone on the ground for the current winds (e.g. Microbursts are not the only source of severe wind-shear close to the ground. Sudden and very powerful surface winds can have various other causes. the local FBO).

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway AGL Lift 52

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

Moderate wind shear in some areas could make some thermals somewhat difficult to work but that, too, is typical. Between 5:10 and 5:34 PM, Rifle’s AWOS system reported light winds out of the west in the range of 4 to 9 kts (see chart below) with no wind gusts. Some passing high clouds were unlikely to be a factor.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Flying Magazine

MAY 1, 2024

Some gust fronts can be completely harmless or may be a precursor for an encounter with severe turbulence and dangerous low-level convective wind shear. These gust fronts often contain severe or extreme turbulence, strong and gusty straight-line winds, and low-level convective wind shear.

Wind Shear 114

Wind Shear Weather Knot Turbulence 114

Flying Magazine

APRIL 25, 2024

Along with several other forecasts not shown here, this made me believe that a route around the west side of Washington would provide the least exposure to adverse weather, especially as it relates to convective turbulence. Our groundspeed was a meager 72 knots as we descended on the glideslope. Crisis averted.

Weather 108

Weather Wind Shear Clearance Turbulence 108

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

I pulled the power back and set a notch of flaps to establish a 90 knot, 500 foot/minute descent. As usual, the field AWOS (automated weather observation system) lied its nonexistent ass off with a declaration of five knot winds. My clever plan was to beat it, but the rain was faster and arrived early.

Approach 97

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 97