Clear air turbulence (CAT) is less of a factor for personal aircraft operating at lower altitudes, though it is becoming more prevalent at higher flight levels and warrants further attention.
Wingtip vortices can persist over runways under certain wind conditions, posing a hazard; pilots should be aware of surface winds and consider a three-minute delay when following heavier aircraft.
Managing engine temperature during slow flight can involve opening cowl flaps and leaning the mixture, though overheating is generally not a concern for short durations at reduced power settings.
Thanks for Ryan Motte’s “Coping With Turbulence” in your June 2024 issue. The article didn’t spend much time discussing clear air turbulence. Is it simply not a factor with personal airplanes? Also, can you go into more detail on how to handle a turbulence encounter?
Thanks in advance!
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