If youve ever wanted to see something you wrote appear in an aviation magazine with your name, heres your chance. Each month, this space is devoted to giving readers the opportunity to share with other pilots something theyve learned about flying aircraft. Well always assure anonymity if you want it, but well be happy to put your name on it, also.
An in-flight weather radar proved crucial for proactive decision-making, allowing the pilot to divert early from thunderstorms despite ATC only reporting general IFR conditions.
Local knowledge, even from non-aviation personnel like a park ranger, about specific terrain-induced turbulence (clear-air turbulence over a ridge) can be incredibly accurate and should be respected.
Pilots should maintain humility and take warnings seriously, regardless of their source or seemingly clear conditions, as unexpected hazards like severe turbulence can occur.
My wife and I always looked forward to my annual August convention on Mackinac Island (KMCD), Mich. Several years ago, we departed IFR from our home base (KPTK) with no adverse weather forecasted. However, just south of Pelston, reds, yellows and greens popped up on my in-flight weather radar, extending up past Mackinac Island.
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