PILOT’S
GUIDE
27
STRIKE FINDER
DIGITAL WEATHER AVOIDANCE
Figure 20. Strike Dots Zoomed Through the Four Ranges Views
Planning To Deviate
If your Strike Finder detects thunderstorms close to your intended flight path,
a deviation from your present course
must
be initiated. Observe the Strike
Finder closely, to determine the distance and bearing of the thunderstorm
from the aircraft.
Avoidance By Angle
The FAA Advisory Circular, Subject: Thunderstorms, recommends that you
“avoid by at least 20 miles any thunderstorm identified as severe or giving
an intense radar echo”. Pilots have no direct control over distance but do
have complete control of heading. Correct heading selection will provide
the “required storm avoidance angle”, needed to keep the aircraft a safe
distance from any storm activity.
Figure 21. Weather satellite View with Strike Finder Display Area
200 nm Range
100 sq. miles
100 nm Range
25 sq. miles
50 nm Range
6.25 sq. miles
25 nm Range
1.56 sq. miles
Strike Finder Pilot's Guide fix 9/19/05 10:59 AM Page AF