PILOT’S
GUIDE
25
STRIKE FINDER
DIGITAL WEATHER AVOIDANCE
1) Cluster Size
—The Strike Finder’s precise depictions utilize fewer
dots for equivalent storms. As few as 3 dots will warn you of a potential
hazard, although a dozen or more are typical. Dot density is a good clue
to storm severity. When a cluster fills in solid, give the storm extra
avoidance margin.
2) Accumulation Rate
—The rate of dot accumulation is a good measure
of storm severity. A few dots per minute suggests mild conditions. A dot
per second should be labeled “moderate”. Two dots per second is
“severe” strike activity. Over periods of many minutes, the accumulation
is more vivid in the
Time Travel
mode,
(
see p. 12 for details).
3) Adjacent Activity
—Strike Finder is sensitive to adjacent activity.
When cells are numerous, they absorb one another, coalesce into
larger cells, and quickly fill spaces between themselves. Dots marching
from one cell to another indicate severity of the cells and a dangerous
area between them.
4) Storm Persistence
—Strike Finder strike dots have a persistence or dot
longevity, of five minutes. For severe storms, dots remain in the same
location for much longer than five minutes. If in doubt, use the
Clear
Function
and observe the reaccumulation.
5) Size Versus Distance
—Strike Finder size-vs-distance display closely
follows a radar guideline: Events appearing large at significant distance
are monstrous when nearby. Remember also that three dots at a 100
mile distance will become 12 dots when the range is shortened.
6) Cluster Fragmentation
—Strike Finder sensitivity may generate cluster
fragmentation, or a widely scattered array. This alerts you to a wide
spread and churning convective area where simply avoiding one dot or
cluster may not produce a smooth ride. When the entire area is
unstable, the mixing mass can produce a multitude of minor strikes in
a polka-dot effect.
Strike Dot Interpretation
A strike dot depicts a square area where lighting is detected, in relation
to the selected range. This square area can cover a large or small area,
dependent on the range selected. For example,
Figure 19, (p.26),
shows
strike dots
in the 200 nm range view, depicting an area of 100 sq. miles.
Strike Finder Pilot's Guide fix 9/19/05 10:59 AM Page AD