Autumn Transitions

By the time September arrives, most pilots in the northern hemisphere are tired of picking their way past cumulus clouds, dodging thunderstorms and dealing with diminished performance from high density altitudes. But with the arrival of autumn, things are about to change. Its not just a season where things get colder and we have to review icing. There is a lot in the details that can help your flight planning. …

Editorial Staff

Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Autumn brings stronger, more organized weather systems with increased winds aloft due to intensified temperature contrasts, leading to faster-moving fronts and a higher potential for widespread IFR conditions.
Pilots must prepare for a significant increase in icing risk as freezing levels drop, alongside regional challenges like extensive moisture from tropical systems and "surprise stratus" in the Gulf Coast, persistent valley fogs in the West, and localized strong winds or lake effect weather in the East.

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By the time September arrives, most pilots in the northern hemisphere are tired of picking their way past cumulus clouds, dodging thunderstorms and dealing with diminished performance from high density altitudes. But with the arrival of autumn, things are about to change. It’s not just a season where things get colder and we have to review icing. There is a lot in the details that can help your flight planning.