Yikes, it's windy here today in Jersey and I am flying out of Newark on CO1635 into Phoenix. I'm nervous of the 20+ mile/hour wind gusts that are
predicted around my 5pm EST take off! I just need to vent here. I know deep down I will be okay. Just hating those "what if" thoughts!
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0 Kudos
Taking off today in Wind Gusts!
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 hosswhispra |
Taking off today in Wind Gusts! |
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Posts: 45 (10/07/09 07:13:06) |
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Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW |
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Posts: 2731 (10/07/09 14:08:45) |
Yes, it has been a remarkable day for wind in the Northeast. It causes the ride to be bumpy for the first couple of minutes. That's all. We compensate for
gusts when we calculate our takeoff and landing speeds. If the wind is 20 gusting to 30, we add half the steady speed and all the gust to our normal landing
speed. That's to make sure there is no way to not have enough air passing by the wings no matter how much the wind gusts.
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OneAnt |
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Posts: 894 (10/07/09 20:41:12) |
Gusts are not a problem usually. Even sideways gusts, as long as it's all factored in to the takeoff/landing procedures. Runways aren't unidirectional.
Here in DFW, and everywhere, sometimes you takeoff to the North, and other times to the South. It's all about the wind.
You may feel the wind on the plane for a brief bit on takeoff, but winds change speed and direction as you climb. Any discomfort you feel due to the wind will be VERY short-lived. Enjoy your flight! |
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hosswhispra |
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Posts: 46 (10/11/09 22:21:39) |
Hi Capt. Tom and OneAnt-just wanted to thank you both for your responses. My flight out of Newark into Phoenix was great. No bumps
 Also- My flight back home
tonight into Newark was so smooth! Great experiences going and coming back home. I have logged over 50,000 airplane miles. I am almost a silver elite on
Continental
Good night! |
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Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW |
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Posts: 2736 (10/12/09 05:57:58) |
Glad it went well. Congratulations on logging those miles!
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MountainMitch |
That was some day! | ||
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Posts: 449 (10/13/09 10:04:40) |
Hi Hoss,
I had the pleasure of flying into La Guardia airport on 10/7 on a Dash 8 during the gusty winds. The plane rocked quite a bit but, really, no big deal. It was clear air turbulence and I could see the ground. Cheers, Mitch |
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Note from Capt. Tom I know everyone worries about weather, but pilots really do not worry about it. We simply - instead of worrying about it - completely prepare for it. Before going to the plane, we review the weather at the destination. If it is not 100% sure to be within legal limits when we arrive at the destination, we must specify an alternate airport in our planning documents, and load on plenty of fuel for going to the destination airport, and then if need be, diverting to the alternate airport. The legal limits are conservative. Even when weather is slightly outside the legal limits, any airline pilot could still land safely. You can rely on the captain never to land when the weather is not legal, and legality limits are reached prior to safety limits. If you are still anxious, call me and we can talk it over. I'm at 877 332-7359 from 10 AM until 7 PM Eastern time. For effective help, even if you are flying in a day or two, sign up now at www.fearofflying.com/fasttrack and call me when you finish Clip 9 so I can make sure you are all set. |
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Using Weather Information If you enter your ZIP Code or City at the top of the weather presentation, it will give you weather for your area. Or, you can enter your destination ZIP Code or City.
Click on the "LOCAL RADAR" button to see whether or not there are thunder- Turbulence, though it may cause anxiety, does not mean anything is wrong. Turbulence does not mean danger. The plane can handle far more turbulence than Mother Nature can dish out. Though flying in turbulence is safe, it doesn't feel safe. And here is where the SOAR programs come in. We can help you feel as safe when you fly as you actually are. You can see these programs at www.fearofflying.com/store. |
