Flying through thunderstorms

[photofly]

Here's an extract from that classic instruction manual in IFR techniques called "Blind or Instrument Flying" by Howard C. Stark, revised edition, published in 1931.

Screen Shot 2017-07-11 at 10.43.20 AM.png (261.35 KiB) Viewed 3353 times

Disclosure: This post was involuntarily edited and moved by a moderator from another thread.

[5x5]

Here's an extract from that classic instruction manual in IFR techniques called "Blind or Instrument Flying" by Howard C. Stark, revised edition, published in 1931.
Screen Shot 2017-07-11 at 10.43.20 AM.png

Well, well, aren't we all just big sissies now-a-days. Guess Cat's been right all along.

[photofly]

You know, I had no recollection of starting this new thread, so I checked with my ISP and CSIS and guess what? I didn't start this thread!

[5x5]

It sure looked like you! Must have been a disguised Russian. Shall we check with (cover your ears Rockie) Trump?

[confusedalot]

That is the way it used to be. That does not mean you have to relive history.

So use your tools that the oh so stupid predecessors did not have, and just don't do it. Got a radar? Good for you.

Man, the arrogance.

[photofly]

My favourite part of the book is when he details his experiments with flying in IMC with no gyro instruments at all. Fantastic.

[5x5]

Sadly, this is the kind of thing that happens far too often when people feel like the above author.

April 4, 2017, Micanopy, Fla.

Pipistrel Virus SW

At about 0910 Eastern time, the airplane was destroyed when it impacted a pasture. The solo airline transport pilot was fatally injured. The flight departed Sebring, Fla., at 0800, headed for Clemson, S.C. Instrument conditions prevailed; an IFR flight plan was in effect.

Radar data depict the airplane on a northerly track at about 8000 feet msl. The track ended at an east-west oriented line of severe thunderstorms and rain showers extending about 100 nm to either side of the track. The pilot was in contact with ATC throughout the flight; he did not transmit any distress calls.

A large section of the left wing was located on a farm about 4.5 miles south of the main wreckage. The left flaperon was not found. At 0853, the reported weather about 15 nm north of the accident site included thunderstorms, moderate rain, mist and wind from 100 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The ceiling was broken at 4300 feet and overcast at 7500 feet. Visibility was five sm.

[photofly]

A Pipistrel Virus is a rotax-powered two seat LSA-type aircraft, with a maximum takeoff weight of about 1300lbs. It can (apparently) be fitted for IFR flight. I'm not sure flying that into a thunderstorm is entirely parallel to flying into IMC with no instruments at all.

[FurHat]

"The ExpressJet Airlines Embraer EMB-145LR, flight number 4538 (registration N16954, serial number 145072) departed Grand Rapids, Michigan, on an instrument flight rules flight destined for Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey. After departure, the aircraft deviated north of its desired track to avoid thunderstorms and climbed to its cruising altitude of flight level 370. At approximately 1915 Eastern Daylight Time, the aircraft flew through a large thunderstorm and encountered severe turbulence. The flight crew lost control of the aircraft, and it descended rapidly, losing approximately 4000 feet before the flight crew were able to regain control. The aircraft continued to its destination, where it landed safely. There were no reported injuries to the 3 crew members or 26 passengers, and the aircraft was not damaged."

http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-repor ... 4o0165.asp

No injuries and aircraft not damaged. Good to Go!

[5x5]

I know what a Pipistrel Virus is, and I wasn't comparing it to an aircraft with no instruments. I was referring to the comment in the posted page that began this thread where the author states "A thunderstorm can be flown through if the pilot wishes, for experience." The report reads as though the Pipistrel pilot wished to fly through the wall of thunderstorms. Doubt he got the experience he wanted though.

[Alav]

I doubt Mr Stevens the pilot of the pipistrel virus sw was looking for an experience.

According FAA records, the pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, single engine sea and glider. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued October 28, 2013, at which time he reported 12,100 total hours of flight experience. A review of the pilot's logbook revealed that he had accrued 92 total hours of flight experience in the accident airplane as of April 2, 2017.

[photofly]

Maybe thunderstorms are worse now than in 1932. Global warming, and all that.

[Cat Driver]

Global warming will soon make today's thunder storms seem like small rain showers, unless of course Jesus decides it is time for the second coming.

Me I am thinking of using as little energy as possible so my sweat does not add to the danger.

[B777guy]

I thought a Pipistrel virus was an STD.