Many of my non-pilot friends and acquaintances assume that four decades of professional aviation experience includes a doctorate level of expertise in weather. I chuckle. Perhaps my knowledge exceeds that of the average local TV news viewer because of experience and tutelage by an admired college professor with an actual Ph.D. in meteorology. But I’ll never claim to have anything remotely resembling a weather crystal ball. One recent trip in our Piper Arrow proved my lack of forecasting skills. But in this circumstance, my error cost only time and money.
The trip began with a flight to Vero Beach, an easy hour and change from our home base. Although the late morning departure allowed for a VFR operation and a scenic coastal route, I preferred an IFR operation. An instrument flight plan eliminated the need to avoid and/or communicate with Class D and Class C airspace that dot the coastline, flight following notwithstanding.
