FM2000 22008KT 3SM-RA OVC015 TEMP 2205 3SM
-RA OVC025 FM0500 23013KT P6SM OVC025
FM0800 230l3KT P6SM BKN030 PROB40 1012 2SM BR
OVC030
TAF KGPT 1ll153Z 1ll2l2 24004KT ¼SM FG OVC00l
BECMG 1317 3SM BR OVC006
FM 1700 24010KT 4SM -RA OVC006 FM0400 24010 5SM
SCT080 TEMPO 0612 P6SM SKC
In addition to the terminal forecast, the area forecast also
indicates gradual improvement along the route. Since the
terminal forecast only provides information for a 5-mile
radius around a terminal area, checking the area forecast
provides a better understanding of the overall weather picture
along the route, as well as potential hazards:
SYNOPSIS AND VFR CLOUDS/WEATHER FORECASTS
SYNOPSIS... AREA OF LOW PRESSURE CNTD OV AL
RMNG GENLY STNRY BRNGNG MSTR AND WD SPRD
IFR TO ETN. ALF...LOW PRES TROF ACRS CNTR PTN
OF THE DFW FA WILL GDLY MOV EWD DURG PD.
NRN LA, AR, NRN MS
SWLY WND THRUT THE PD. l6Z CIG OVC006. SCT
-SHRA. OTLK... IFR SRN ½ ... GIG SCT .- BKN015
TOPS TO FL250 SWLY WND THRUT THE PD. 17Z AGL
BKN040. OTLK . MVFR CIG VIS.
LA MS CSTL WTRS
CIG OVC001 - OVC006. TOPS TO FL240. VIS ¼ - ¾ SM
FG. SWLY WND. 16Z CIG OVCO1O VIS 2 SM BR. OCNL
VIS 3-5SM - RN BR OVC009. OTLK.. MVFR GIG VIS.
FL
GIG BKN020 TOPS TO FL180. VIS 1-3 SM BR. SWLY
WND. 18Z BRK030. OTLK...MVFR GIG.
At this time, there are no SIGMETs or PIREPs reported.
However, there are several AIRMETs, one for IFR
conditions, one for turbulence that covers the entire route,
and another for icing conditions which covers an area just
north of the route:
WAUS44 KKCI 111150
DEWS WA 0111150
AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR VALID UNTIL 111800
AIRMET IFR...OK TX LA ARMS AL FL |
TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND
IFR CONDS.
NON MSL FIGHTS DENOTED BY AOL OR GIG.
A recheck of NOTAMs for Gulfport confirms that the
localizer to runway 32 is out of service until further notice
and runway 18/36 is closed. If runway 6 is planned for the
departure, confirm that the climb restriction for the departure
can be met.
GPT 12/006 GPT LOC OS UFN
GPT 12/008 GPT MIRL RWY 18/36 OS UFN
Since the weather is substantially better to the east, Pensacola
Regional Airport is a good alternate with current conditions
and a forecast of marginal VFR.
METAR KPNS 11115Z 21010Z 35M BKN014 OVC025
09/03 A2973
TAF KPNS 111152Z 111212 220l0KT 3 SM BR OVC020
BECMG 13174 SM BR OVCO25
FM1700 23010KT 4SM - RA OVC030
FM 0400 25014KT 5SM OVC050 TEMPO 1612 P6SM
OVC080
If weather minimums are below a pilot's personal minimums,
a delay in departure to wait for improved conditions is
a good decision. This time can he used to complete the
navigation log which is the next step in planning an IFR
flight. [Figure 10-19]
Use the POH/AFM to compute a true airspeed, cruise power
setting, and fuel burn based on the forecast temperatures
aloft and cruising pressure altitude. Also, compute weight-
and-balance information and determine takeoff and landing
distances, There will be a crosswind if weather conditions
require a straight-in landing on runway 14 at GPT. Therefore,
compute the landing distance assuming a 10-knot crosswind
and determine if the runway length is adequate to allow
landing. Determine the estimated flight time and fuel burn
using the winds aloft forecast and considering Pensacola
Regional Airport as an alternate airport. With full tanks, the
flight can be made nonstop with adequate fuel for flight to
the destination, alternate, and the reserve requirement.
Next, cheek the surface analysis chart which shows where the
pressure systems will be found. The weather depiction chart
shows areas of IFR conditions and can he used to find areas |