T
RAINING
M
ANUAL
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L
ANCAIR
IV/IVP
window is available for the proposed flight.
Cell phone technology has improved to the point that internet weather is found
there as well. This helps the business man pilot who is stuck in a meeting keep
up with changing weather while sitting in a conference room. In some cases an
early “launch” or a delay of a few hours to a day is all that is necessary to reduce
the risk of hazardous weather. In extreme cases, a delay of several days or
cancelation is required. The old adage, “time to spare…go by air” certainly
applies. The GA pilot who is unwilling to adjust his or her schedule to
accommodate hazardous weather is a hazard to themselves and their
passengers.
While on the subject of flight planning, it is important to note that per the
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) the FAA does not disapprove of the use
of non FAA resources for pilots to conduct preflight weather planning, but only
two resources maintain a record of your briefing: AFSS telephonic briefs and
DUATS. Every time you make a phone call to AFSS to file a flight plan or to get a
briefing it is recorded. Every time you log into DUATS it is recorded. This is
important should an incident or accident arise. If you choose to self brief using
internet resources a record of your briefing will not be found to support your
defense should one be necessary. A short phone call to AFSS for an abbreviated
weather brief with the statement, “I have checked the weather” is all that is
necessary to cover your six.
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30
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©
Copyright
2007
LOBO
May
not
be
copied
without
permission.