Cell Encounterpoint

The answer given in question 2 of the quiz in your November 2018 issue (continue to fly straight through the storm) is incorrect. Fifty years ago I wrote and published the initial research papers on transmitting weather information into the cockpit after almost losing my life due to a thunderstorm. As a nationally recognized aviation radar/weather spokesperson, I continue to educate and update pilots around the country as the program progresses. The history of the Datalink program is best presented by AOPAs video on YouTube. Search for datalink concept to cockpit.

dstrahle

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The author disputes the FAA's guidance to fly straight and level when inadvertently entering a thunderstorm cell, arguing it is outdated and dangerous.
He contends that initial severe turbulence often occurs before truly entering the storm's core, making a 180-degree turn a safer and potentially life-saving maneuver.
The recommended actions for an inadvertent encounter include making a 180-degree turn (or towards the shortest way out), disengaging altitude hold, slowing to maneuvering speed, and using NEXRAD to find an exit.

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(Editor’s Note: In our November 2018 quiz, we asked what a pilot should do when inadvertently entering a cell. The FAA’s Instrument Flying Handbook says to fly straight and level and essentially hope for the best. One reader with expertise in these matters, disagreed and offers his reasoning.)

The answer given in question 2 of the quiz in your November 2018 issue (continue to fly straight through the storm) is incorrect. Fifty years ago I wrote and published the initial research papers on transmitting weather information into the cockpit after almost losing my life due to a thunderstorm. As a nationally recognized aviation radar/weather spokesperson, I continue to educate and update pilots around the country as the program progresses. The history of the Datalink program is best presented by AOPA’s video on YouTube. Search for “datalink concept to cockpit.”