welcome to weather-related decision- making for general aviation pilots flight 3 – lemmon, south...

WEATHER-RELATED DECISION MAKING

Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter, Ph.D. 1

Welcome to Weather-Related Decision-Making for General Aviation

Pilots

Flight 3 – Lemmon, South Dakota TO Aberdeen, South Dakota

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WEATHER-RELATED DECISION MAKING

Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter, Ph.D.

Complete a Flight - Instructions

• Now let’s put things together in a series of flights in which you need to be aware of changing weather conditions, and you need to consider all the factors related to an in-flight diversion.

• Each flight has been divided into a series of segments. At the end of each segment you will see a video clip of the weather conditions that you are currently experiencing. At the end of the video clip you will be asked whether you would like to continue the flight or divert to an alternate destination. If you decide to divert, a number of options will appear, and you will be asked to select an option and choose a new destination.

• Throughout the flight, you will have access to the material that is normally available during a cross-country flight under visual flight rules. You can access this material by clicking on the list. Before you begin the flight you have the opportunity to spend as much time as you like examining this material.

• Because of computer limitations, the Aeronautical Chart for each flight is not very detailed. If you wish to see a more detailed map, click on the “Map Link” and you will be taken to a web site in which you can zoom and scan in to see a very detailed view of the route.

2

Review Flight Details Flight 3

Lemmon (SD) via Mobridge (SD) to Aberdeen (SD)

Aeronautical Chart [Map Link]Airports

LemmonMobridgeAberdeenMcLaughlinEurekaHoven

Area ForecastMeteorological ReportsWeather Charts

Radar SummarySurface Weather

Terminal Area ForecastFlight Plan

TAKEOFF

Flight 3Lemmon (SD) via Mobridge (SD) to Aberdeen (SD)

Review flight details• Aeronautical Chart [Map Link]• Airports

– Lemmon– Mobridge– Aberdeen– McLaughlin– Eureka– Hoven

• Area Forecast• Meteorological Reports• Weather Charts

– Radar Summary– Surface Weather

• Terminal Area Forecast• Flight Plan

Make a decisionDivertContinue

You are currently: 20 nm SE of Lemmon

Flight 3Lemmon (SD) via Mobridge (SD) to Aberdeen (SD)

Review flight details• Aeronautical Chart [Map Link]• Airports

– Lemmon– Mobridge– Aberdeen– McLaughlin– Eureka– Hoven

• Area Forecast• Meteorological Reports• Weather Charts

– Radar Summary– Surface Weather

• Terminal Area Forecast• Flight Plan

Make a decisionDivertContinue

You are currently: 40 nm SE of Lemmon

Flight 3Lemmon (SD) via Mobridge (SD) to Aberdeen (SD)

Review flight details• Aeronautical Chart [Map Link]• Airports

– Lemmon– Mobridge– Aberdeen– McLaughlin– Eureka– Hoven

• Area Forecast• Meteorological Reports• Weather Charts

– Radar Summary– Surface Weather

• Terminal Area Forecast• Flight Plan

Make a decisionDivertContinue

You are currently: 60 nm SE of Lemmon

Flight 3Lemmon (SD) via Mobridge (SD) to Aberdeen (SD)

Review flight details• Aeronautical Chart [Map Link]• Airports

– Lemmon– Mobridge– Aberdeen– McLaughlin– Eureka– Hoven

• Area Forecast• Meteorological Reports• Weather Charts

– Radar Summary– Surface Weather

• Terminal Area Forecast• Flight Plan

Make a decisionDivertContinue

You are currently: 20 nm E of Mobridge

Flight 3Lemmon (SD) via Mobridge (SD) to Aberdeen (SD)

Review flight details• Aeronautical Chart [Map Link]• Airports

– Lemmon– Mobridge– Aberdeen– McLaughlin– Eureka– Hoven

• Area Forecast• Meteorological Reports• Weather Charts

– Radar Summary– Surface Weather

• Terminal Area Forecast• Flight Plan

Make a decisionDivertContinue

You are currently: 40 nm E of Mobridge

Flight 3Lemmon (SD) via Mobridge (SD) to Aberdeen (SD)

Review flight details• Aeronautical Chart [Map Link]• Airports

– Lemmon– Mobridge– Aberdeen– McLaughlin– Eureka– Hoven

• Area Forecast• Meteorological Reports• Weather Charts

– Radar Summary– Surface Weather

• Terminal Area Forecast• Flight Plan

Make a decisionDivertContinue

You are currently: 60 nm E of Mobridge

Congratulations, you have landed safety at your destination

Continue

Flight 3Aeronautical Chart

RETURN

Lemmon

RETURN

Mobridge

RETURN

Aberdeen RETURN

Eureka

RETURN

McLaughlin

RETURN

Hoven

RETURN

Flight 1 – Weather Forecast

RETURN

Flight 3 – Meteorological Reports

RETURN

Flight 3 – Weather Charts – Radar Summary RETURN

Flight 3 – Weather Charts – Surface Weather RETURN

Flight 3 - TAF

RETURN

Flight 3 – Flight Plan

RETURN

Lemmon to Aberdeen : Divert 1

Indicator Deterioration No Change Improvement

Cloud-base ✔

Visibility ✔

Cloud Coloring ✔

Cloud Density ✔

Terrain Clearance

✔

Rain Showers ✔

Cloud Type ✔

Horizon ✔

Lemmon McLaughlin Mobridge Eureka Hoven Aberdee

n

Distance Very Good

Very good

Expected Weather Good Good

FacilitiesVery Good Poor

En-route Terrain

Very Good Very

Good

Expected weather conditions are anticipated on the basis of both the forecast and the prevailing conditions experienced during the flight.

Diversion Alternatives

At this stage of the flight it is useful to compare the conditions to those that were reported in the meteorological report. Since there has been no significant change in any of the indicators recorded in the meteorological report, the decision to divert is not necessarily warranted at this stage of the flight. Nevertheless, should you feel uncomfortable in the conditions, you should consider your options and perhaps divert to an alternate airport until the conditions improve.

Go back to where you diverted.

Continue

Weather Conditions at Diversion Point(Compared to Previous Stage)

Lemmon to Aberdeen : Divert 2

Indicator Deterioration No Change Improvement

Cloud-base ✔

Visibility ✔

Cloud Coloring ✔

Cloud Density ✔

Terrain Clearance

✔

Rain Showers ✔

Cloud Type ✔

Horizon ✔

Expected weather conditions are anticipated on the basis of both the forecast and the prevailing conditions experienced during the flight.

Diversion Alternatives

There appears to have been a change in the cloud type at this stage of the flight. In addition, it appears as though the clouds have darkened. However, since there are no changes in the remaining indicators, the decision to divert might be considered premature. Nevertheless, should you feel uncomfortable in the conditions, you should consider your options and perhaps divert to an alternate airport until the conditions improve.

Lemmon McLaughlin Mobridge Eureka Hoven

Distance Very Good Very good

Expected Weather Good Good

Facilities Very Good Poor

En-route Terrain

Very Good Very Good

Weather Conditions at Diversion Point(Compared to Previous Stage)

ContinueGo back to where you diverted.

Lemmon to Aberdeen : Divert 3

Indicator Deterioration No Change Improvement

Cloud-base ✔

Visibility ✔

Cloud Coloring ✔

Cloud Density ✔

Terrain Clearance

✔

Rain Showers ✔

Cloud Type ✔

Horizon ✔

Expected weather conditions are anticipated on the basis of both the forecast and the prevailing conditions experienced during the flight.

Diversion Alternatives

Rather than a deterioration in the conditions, three of the indicators have improved, including the visibility and the cloud density. It also appears that the cloud is lightening. As a consequence, a diversion does not appear to be warranted at this stage of the flight. Nevertheless, should you feel uncomfortable in the conditions, you should consider your options and perhaps divert to an alternate airport until the conditions improve.

Go back to where you diverted.

Continue

Lemmon McLaughlin Mobridge Eureka Hoven

Distance Good Very good

Expected Weather Good Good

Facilities Very Good Poor

En-route Terrain

Very Good Very Good

Weather Conditions at Diversion Point(Compared to Previous Stage)

Lemmon to Aberdeen : Divert 4

Indicator Deterioration No Change Improvement

Cloud-base ✔

Visibility ✔

Cloud Coloring ✔

Cloud Density ✔

Terrain Clearance ✔

Rain Showers✔

Cloud Type ✔

Horizon ✔

Expected weather conditions are anticipated on the basis of both the forecast and the prevailing conditions experienced during the flight.

Diversion Alternatives

Having passed Mobridge, the weather conditions have improved markedly with the majority of indicators reflecting this improvement. Therefore, the decision to divert is not necessary at this stage of the flight. Nevertheless, should you feel uncomfortable in the conditions, you should consider your options and perhaps divert to an alternate airport until you feel more comfortable with the conditions.

Go back to where you diverted.

Continue

Lemmon McLaughlin Mobridge Eureka Hoven

Distance Good Very good Good

Expected Weather Good Good Good

Facilities Poor Very Good Fair

En-route Terrain Very Good Very Good Good

Weather Conditions at Diversion Point(Compared to Previous Stage)

Lemmon to Aberdeen : Divert 5

Indicator Deterioration No Change Improvement

Cloud-base ✔

Visibility ✔

Cloud Coloring ✔

Cloud Density ✔

Terrain Clearance

✔

Rain Showers ✔

Cloud Type ✔

Horizon ✔

Expected weather conditions are anticipated on the basis of both the forecast and the prevailing conditions experienced during the flight.

Diversion Alternatives

The indicators remain largely unchanged from the preceding stage, and the conditions are favorable for visual flight. Consequently, the decision to divert is not necessary at this stage of the flight. Nevertheless, should you feel uncomfortable in the conditions, you should consider your options and perhaps divert to an alternate airport until you feel more comfortable with the conditions..

Go back to where you diverted.

Continue

Lemmon McLaughlin Mobridge Eureka Hoven

Distance Very good Good Very Good

Expected Weather Good Good Very

Good

Facilities Poor Very Good Fair

En-route Terrain Very Good Very Good Good

Weather Conditions at Diversion Point(Compared to Previous Stage)

Lemmon to Aberdeen : Divert 6

Indicator Deterioration No Change Improvement

Cloud-base ✔

Visibility ✔

Cloud Coloring ✔

Cloud Density ✔

Terrain Clearance

✔

Rain Showers ✔

Cloud Type ✔

Horizon ✔

29

Expected weather conditions are anticipated on the basis of both the forecast and the prevailing conditions experienced during the flight.

Diversion Alternatives

The indicators remain largely unchanged from the preceding stage, and the conditions remain favorable for visual flight. Consequently, the decision to divert is not necessary at this stage of the flight. Nevertheless, should you feel uncomfortable in the conditions, you should consider your options and perhaps divert to an alternate airport until you feel more comfortable with the conditions.

Go back to where you diverted.

Continue

Lemmon McLaughlin Mobridge Eureka Hoven

Distance Fair Fair Good Good

Expected Weather Good Good Very

Good Very Good

Facilities Poor Very Good Fair Fair

En-route Terrain Very Good Very Good Good Good

Weather Conditions at Diversion Point(Compared to Previous Stage)

WEATHER-RELATED DECISION MAKING

Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter, Ph.D. 30

In-Flight Diversions - Summary

• This section of the program was designed to give you an opportunity to practice in-flight weather-related decisions. You should now be able to recognize the onset of deteriorating conditions using the weather indicators, and you should be aware of the way that you make decisions.

• Finally, you always need to avoid being pressured into continuing a flight. Good airmanship requires that you always give yourself alternatives.

WEATHER-RELATED DECISION MAKING

Copyright © 2012 David R. Hunter, Ph.D. 31

Program Summary

• You should now be aware of the value of looking for indications that the weather is deteriorating and that you may need to divert, based on good weather-related decision making.

• We hope that you enjoyed this program, and that you will apply it’s principles in your future flights.

THE END

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