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In The Belly Of The Beast

You should never, ever, ever, fly into a thunderstorm. If youre even thinking about it, you probably have a whole different set of problems, and there may be no choice. With that in mind, here are some suggestions on how to keep things pointed in the right direction-and the wings on-adopted from the FAAs Advisory Circular AC 00-24C, Thunderstorms.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Never fly into a thunderstorm under any circumstances; the provided advice is strictly for unavoidable penetrations when no other option exists.
  • Do not rely on visual cues, outdated data-linked radar imagery, or assumed ATC radar guidance; always proactively request navigation help from ATC.
  • If forced to enter, prepare the aircraft (e.g., pitot/carb heat, turbulence penetration speed, autopilot wing-leveling only) and cabin, then fly a straight course through the storm, maintaining attitude and accepting altitude changes without turning back or changing power.
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You should never, ever, ever, fly into a thunderstorm. If youre even thinking about it, you probably have a whole different set of problems, and there may be no choice. With that in mind, here are some suggestions on how to keep things pointed in the right direction-and the wings on-adopted from the FAAs Advisory Circular AC 00-24C, Thunderstorms.

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