January Fly-Bys
Taming the 500-Pound Gorilla Named “Weather”

By Jesse DeKuiper
Airline Transport Pilot
Regional Airline Captain

I’m jealous.

The technology for gathering, analyzing, and reporting weather information in the cockpit of the twin-jet airliner I fly around the country doesn’t equal that available in the cockpit of a Cirrus airplane. It would be great to have that level of technology at my fingertips.

On the other hand, because my jet can fly faster, higher and farther than a Cirrus airplane, its onboard weather systems don’t need to be quite as sophisticated. Onboard radar and computers, ground control and other weather resources enable my co-pilot and me to see and plan for weather well ahead—and take the necessary steps to deal with whatever situation may be developing along our flight path or at our destination. Cirrus pilots have less capability for flying around or over weather, so the best possible level of weather information-gathering for the earliest possible pilot decision-making is a terrific safety advantage.

But, regardless of whether you’re flying a jet liner with dozens of passengers on board or a four-seater with only yourself as passenger, one thing no pilot can afford to forget is that weather is like a 500-pound gorilla. It can be a big, unpredictable brute, and pilots must be wary. That includes appreciating the fact that technology can never substitute for good planning, common sense and extreme caution—on the ground and in the air.

The smartest thing you can do about any problem weather you see developing is to avoid it. Fly around it, fly away from it--or don’t fly at all. You can use technology to identify, locate and evaluate problem conditions, but, once you spot bad weather ahead, the best solution is avoidance. Use the pre-flight resources and technology described in the January Cirrus Monthly Pilot Proficiency to plan ahead and avoid bad weather.

The worst thing you can do is to challenge the weather or hope that you can ride it out. Don’t ever count on a quick break in bad weather. Turn around and get out. Even if you have an IFR rating, you may not have the experience to negotiate bad weather through clouds. And even if you do, luck may not be flying with you.

Even with the best forecasting and information available, weather can easily surprise and turn unexpectedly ferocious. What then?

First, fly the airplane. That’s always the first rule.

Then use the technology in your Cirrus to gather all of the information you can to chart your way around or away from bad weather. Also, use your radio frequencies and air traffic control for help. Today, many of the approach controllers and even some center controllers have weather radar. They can help point you in the right direction to skirt or retreat from bad weather.

When it comes to weather, respect it—and always treat technology as an asset and not as a savior. Use the technology in your Cirrus to stay informed and aware of weather conditions along your flight path and at your destination. Plan ahead to avoid bad weather. And if, despite all your best planning, bad weather does confront you, solve the problem by staying cool, calm and in control.

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