Introduction

Ever since I started piloting a Piper Cub, one word best describes the experience of flying in bad weather: “bouncy.”

Flying in a Small Plane: "Bouncy"

As a pilot, especially with a small aircraft like the Piper Cub, relying on proper trimming to maintain straight and level flight during rough weather is a luxury that doesn't always exist. Instead, I remain engaged with the controls, keeping my hands and feet on the steering. This approach suits my hands-on nature just fine, providing a more engaged and dynamic flying experience.

The Critical Role of Planning

There is an important aspect of flying that often goes unmentioned by others, and that is the significance of planning. Planning plays a pivotal role, especially with less powerful aircraft, and can help mitigate the risks associated with adverse weather conditions. Planning ahead can save pilots from dangerous situations, reducing the existential anxiety that comes with flying in bad weather.

A Wake-Up Call for the Ego

Being in perilous weather often serves as a lessons for pilots with a hubristic mindset. Each of the bad weather incidents I’ve experienced is a clear reminder that poor planning can lead to dangerous situations. Over time, and after surviving several such incidents, I’ve learned the importance of not taking risks. This lesson has heightened my awareness of the planning criteria and the need for a solid “Plan B” and “Plan C” in case weather conditions worsen.

Embracing Risk Management

Planning involves a thorough risk assessment, which includes considering weather conditions, darkness, and temperature/dew point spreads. Sometimes, the path to a safer landing might involve changing your flight plan entirely. For example, if the forecasts predict unfavorable weather, it's wise to divert to a safer airport that offers better conditions. This approach not only ensures safety but also maintains a margin of error in the decision-making process.

Personal Experience: A Recent Flight

During a recent flight with my wife and daughter, the first 600 miles were smooth, but the last 200 miles included scattered thunderstorms that were even worse than forecasted. With the aid of a storm scope and aviation weather radar on my plane, I carefully navigated through the storms but was faced with intensifying and bunching storms near the destination. It was also getting dark, and the temperature/dew point spread suggested a high risk of fog. I amended the flight plan, opting to land at an airport about 100 miles before the final destination, arriving after dark but in safe conditions.

Conclusion

The moral of the story is simple: always prioritize safety. While flying for 48 years, I've developed a philosophy that emphasizes one thing above all else - staying safe. Whether it's through meticulous planning or making changes in flight plans, the key is to avoid dangerous situations and rely on sound judgment.