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Persistent? Or Foolhardy?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A General Aviation pilot recounted a challenging December 2022 flight through a severe U.S. storm, necessitating multiple diversions, significant southerly routing, and reduced groundspeed due to extreme headwinds and hazardous weather.
  • Despite the difficulties, the pilot strategically used all available tools (ATC, radar, NEXRAD) and maintained flexibility to weave through the weather, demonstrating perseverance.
  • Key lessons learned include the importance of flexibility and, for suitably equipped and experienced pilots, the ability to carefully navigate through less severe (yellow/green) weather while always avoiding red and having an escape plan.
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Yesterday, I had what’s probably my most “interesting” GA experience. It’s mid-December 2022 as I write this. Recall a nasty storm hit the middle of the U.S. with a north-south line of extreme weather that spawned tornadoes down south and blizzards up north? It even killed some folks. If I’d been bolder (more foolish) and less experienced, we could well have been among the fatalities.

We were returning to Santa Fe from a family gathering on Hilton Head Island. Winds were absurd. I normally fly my Cessna 340 in the low 20s, but the up-to 60-knot headwinds at 6000 feet and stronger up high dissuaded me from that. I’d planned two legs, with a stop at about five hours just west of the unpleasantness.

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