It is important to know how to fly in inclement weather as a flight student. Many factors go into flying safely during these conditions, and you must be well-prepared before attempting to do so.
This blog post will provide you with useful tips for flying in bad weather. These tips will help you stay safe while flying and ensure that your flight school training goes as smoothly as possible.
Familiarize Yourself with Different Cloud Types
It pays to know about the type of clouds you could encounter. Not all clouds are created equal, and knowing the differences between them will help you predict what lies ahead once inside one. There are different types of clouds. The common ones include: fog, stratus, nimbostratus, cumulus, and cirrus.
So, knowing which cloud type you’re dealing with can help you control your aircraft better and become a better pilot.
Wear the Right Gear
Take note of your instructor’s recommendations on what to wear. There are different winter jackets and boots suitable for flying, so try checking them out before taking off.
Also, it is always good to bring along an extra jacket or sweater because you never know what could happen inside that cloud.
Watch Out For Mountains
In addition to knowing what cloud types you could possibly fly into, it is also helpful to know where the mountains are along your route. Mountains can be easily seen from a distance and can give you a sense of how high up you really are.
The problem with flying over mountains is turbulence. Meaning, the air pressure changes when flying over mountains. This can de-stabilize your aircraft and make you lose control. This becomes critical in inclement weather because the conditions are already unstable.
Make sure you check with your instructor about the right flight path. This is crucial for your safety.
Call for Help If You’re Feeling Pressured
If you find yourself in a situation where it seems impossible to handle, call for help. The truth is, you may get overwhelmed seeing a massive cloud in front of you. Or, your blood pressure can rise with frequent turbulence. So, there’s no shame in asking for help when such emotions get involved. Remember that safety comes first.
The good thing is your instructor or ground crew will certainly help you out.
Don’t Ignore Your Instructor’s Instructions
Sometimes, students tend to feel confident and forget that they’re still in training. This results in disregarding your instructor’s instructions. Don’t be that person! Listen to your instructor because they know how you’ll possibly act in the sky. They have years of experience, but you only have hours, so it will benefit you to follow their advice.
After all, this is for training and learning purposes. You can’t learn everything on the first try, so don’t be too hard on yourself. If your instructor tells you not to do something, don’t do it.
Check Your Aircraft
No matter how much training you have, the experience will only get you so far. It is your responsibility to check everything inside and outside your aircraft before taking off. This includes pre-flight checks on the weather and ensuring the route is clear of any potential obstacles such as mountains or other aircraft. Checking for traffic can be helpful if you’re in busy airspace.
Safety is your top priority, and it’s important to check every detail before setting off. This will help you stay in control.
Final Word
After reading this article, you should feel more prepared for bad weather flying and know what to expect. Just remember that safety comes first and can never be compromised!
Let us know if you have any questions based on the above tips. We’d be happy to help!