Episode 74: THUNDERSNOW - Whacky Winter Weather

Winter flying brings its own set of challenges, from icy runways to turbulent skies, and we’re here to help you navigate them safely. In this live solo episode of the Flying Midwest Podcast, Jim, Badger, and Madi dive into the cold-weather topics that every pilot should know.

We break down the types of icing (clear, rime, and mixed), how to spot conditions conducive to icing, and what to do if you encounter it mid-flight. Learn about frozen precipitation hazards like freezing rain, drizzle, and snow, and how they impact both flight operations and ground safety. Plus, we share real-world stories of winter weather gone wrong—and what we learned from them.

We also discuss runway conditions with a FICON (Field Condition) primer, tips for handling gusty winter crosswinds, and the challenges of visibility during snow and freezing fog. Finally, don’t miss our listener comments and advice, shared live during this recording.

Grab your favorite warm drink and join us for this in-depth winter weather episode, designed to keep you informed and inspired for the season ahead!

Episode Topics:

• Icing: Understanding clear, rime, and mixed icing; how to interpret PIREPs and weather products to avoid ice accumulation.
• Frozen Precipitation: The impact of freezing rain, drizzle, fog, and snow on in-flight and ground operations.
• Runway Safety: A guide to FICON reporting and braking action considerations for winter landings.
• Crosswinds and Gusty Winds: How winter jet stream shifts create unique challenges for crosswind landings and handling gusts.
• Real Stories: Tales from the hosts and listeners about their most memorable winter flying moments.

Additional Resources:

• AOPA: Cold Weather Operations
• AOPA: Winter Flying
• FAA Advisory Circular: Cold Weather Flying
• Weather.gov Icing Guide

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