Springtime Weather Flying Tips
With Chris Carmody & scott allen
It goes without saying that spring weather can be unpredictable, and it’s especially important to be prepared for the possibility of Mother Nature’s surprises when flying a PC-12.
We talked with Chris Carmody, a seasoned PC-12 Pilot, as well as Scott Allen, air traffic controller, to put together some tips to help you fly safely this spring:
Look at the big picture
Before you take off, look at the forecast and convective segments for your route. You can also use prog charts to see the bigger picture of the weather system. Spring is known for thunderstorms and hail, so it’s important to be prepared to go around bad weather or wait it out on the ground.
When in doubt, wait it out
The weather can change quickly in the spring, so there’s no point in stressing about the forecast a week ahead of your trip. It’s best to wait 24 hours before takeoff to start truly putting together a plan to address the weather. Spring storms can be spectacular, but they can also be dangerous. Don’t try to fly through a major storm. It’s always best to err on the side of caution. Wait it out.
get on top of it. get out early. don’t fly late.
In the springtime, with the possibility of thunderstorms and hail, it’s best to fly higher to avoid the worst of the weather. Carmody says, “This time of year in the PC-12, I get on top of it. The worse the weather, the higher I go.”
Try to take off early in the day before the ground gets heated by the sun.
“Don’t let Mother Nature get ahead of you and heat the ground,” says Carmody. And if possible, try to avoid flying at night during the spring. It can be more difficult to see developing storms in the dark.
don’t assume
Once you’re airborne, keep a constant eye on satellite and radar to check the weather ahead of you, as things may have changed in flight. Though ATC will alert you of any precipitation, keep an eye on developing thunderstorms and make course corrections as needed.
Additionally, XM weather can be overly dramatic, so don’t panic if it shows a major storm on your route. There are usually ways to fly around the storm or through less severe areas.
ask for deviation clearance sooner rather than later.
“The earlier the better,” says Allen. Get ahead of the traffic. If you’re flying toward a thunderstorm, ask for a deviation clearance as soon as you can so that controllers have the ability to plan ahead.
PIREPs encouraged!
Feel free to give ATC any pilot reports (PIREPs) of anything that’s not typical—such as any level of icing, or potential for icing. Even though the PC-12 has deicing, other aircraft may not. Also, let ATC know if you are experiencing moderate chop or greater.
if you’re flying ifr, make sure you are proficient, not just current
While this is more of an issue with inexperienced smaller aircraft pilots, it’s important that you are comfortable flying IFR. Allen recommends, “If weather is lower than personal minimums, consider delaying flight, or flying into a different airport.”
may means “it may hail”
Hail is one of if not THE most potential for damage to your aircraft. That means being extra cautious of weather while flying AND time during ramp parking.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight in your PC-12 this spring. Feel free to reach out to one of our pilots here at JetSwiss before making any decisions about flying in bad weather.
More about our contributors:
Chris Carmody is a PC-12 Pilot and trainer at 3 Green Aviation.
Scott Allen is an air traffic controller at Kansas City Center. His opinions are his own and not that of the FFA.