T
RAINING
M
ANUAL
–
L
ANCAIR
IV/IVP
2. Navigate around cumulus clouds when at or below freezing
level
http://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov/courses/inflight_icing/main.html
After cruising for hours towards your destination and giving an occasional PIREP
to Flight Service or Flight Watch, time has come to plan your descent and arrival.
The wise pilot knows in advance what the weather will be like at his or her
destination. The prudent pilot does not wait until he is turned on to final by
approach that weather at the destination is below minimums. Again, a good
weather brief, updates enroute and use of Datalink weather can help avoid these
nasty surprises. Get a check of the weather when you are about 45 minutes to
one hour out your destination—but no later than 30 minutes. Leave yourself
plenty of options in case things have gone south. It’s better to fold early and go to
your alternate than execute a missed approach on a rainy night with minimal
reserves. When you are in range of the field (30-50 miles depending on altitude)
tune in ATIS, ASOS, or AWOS on the number 2 radio and copy the latest
weather.
If you have done everything properly you should never be surprised by the
weather. You may have to execute Plan B, divert, change altitudes, route, or stay
the night but you should not be surprised.
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©
Copyright
2007
LOBO
May
not
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copied
without
permission.