How Pilots handle big storms

[tycon07]

I will be flying tuesday, but will have Dennis in the way on the way to MCO. Do they fly around it or fly above it. I have no idea how this is handled.

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

Well when we flew in there were some pretty big thunderstorms around. The pilot came on and announced that we would be zig zagging around them and that there would be some moderate turbulence, and there was lol. We would go side to side and up then down all while bouncing around in our seats. I was pretty glad when we finally landed, although our DD thought it was great fun. The whole plane was silent and she was in the back giggling.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

I will be flying tuesday, but will have Dennis in the way on the way to MCO. Do they fly around it or fly above it. I have no idea how this is handled.

Im doing some "unofficial training" (using some computer flight simulators) to learn to be a commerical pilot before I go to college. Personally knowing 2 Northwest pilots and 1 pilot (currently not employed as a pilot, but has an up to date commercial cert.) they will try to avoid big cells (possible lightning strikes, etc) to a certain extent. As far as a Hurricane goes, if the Hurricane is headed for Orlando, or Central or Western Florida for that matter, I would be supprised if you guys will even get off the ground. If you are cleared for approach and landing into MCO, I would expect a rough ride into MCO. Often times what happends if you do get off the ground, is that you will reach Orlando, and cruise at an altitude where you won't get much turbulance, until theres a break in the wind speeds. The rain and lightning is not a concern while landing, it is the wind speed. If winds are over 35 knots, you probibly wont be able to land at MCO.

Sorry if I "frighten " you, but If the hurricane makes landfall in FL, I would doubt you will even take off at your airport of origin.

 

[DebbieB]

By Tuesday, it will be long gone from Florida. They will be able to fly around any remnants.

 

[JimMIA]

I fly way too much on business, and the short answer is "Don't worry about it."

If there is a storm out there (which there won't be, Dennis will be long gone by Tuesday), they'll just fly around it. You won't be within several hundred miles of any hurricane -- not that it would be a problem for the aircraft...it wouldn't.

If you want accurate information on Dennis, go to www.nhc.noaa.gov That's the National Hurricane Center website.

If you prefer hype to accuracy, check CNN or the Weather Channel.

 

[inkkognito]

We went over a hurricane once (just the edge of it) and noticed very little turbulence. We've been in other storms where we could actually see the lightning in the clouds nearby, but I think they only do that when it's unavoidable. They can misjudge sometimes, which can result in a diversion. Once, going into Chicago, we were supposed to beat a thunderstorm but did not; the weather was too bad to land, so we circled for a while to see if it would clear. When we ran low on fuel, we diverted to Rockford to refuel and had to sit there until the weather in Chicago cleared. That's a worst care scenario...at worse, it's usually just extra turbulence.
Barb

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Pilots are instructed from ATC once they are in flight and run into spots of bad weather. They begin each flight with the standard route programmed into the computer and deviate as necessary once in the air. Very standard stuff. If it is safe, they will land, if not, they won't. My DBF drives a 737 and it's all pretty routine.