Flying in the rain

Murdoughnut

Murdoughnut

Well sized member
One of the things I thought was severely missing from all instrument study resources I utilized was a discussion of flying through rain. In fact, it really wasn't mentioned at all during my training unless I asked, and even then I didn't get a really good sense of what to expect.

In searching for some reading material on the subject I came across this well written perspective article. Addressed a lot of my uncertainties about flying in the rain - and I figure it might be useful to someone else on here ...

http://www.genebenson.com/Articles/rain_new.htm
 
I don't like rain because wen I fly through it in the 320 the mode c fails due to a faulty wire.

But it's fun, sounds cool when it's moderate-severe. Haha. Does wash the plane well too.
 
DPApilot said:
I don't like rain because wen I fly through it in the 320 the mode c fails due to a faulty wire.
Click to expand...

Last time I was in heavy rain, it was actually in a glider. Gliders sink pretty fast in rain, I was at 3000' 2 miles from the field, went straight for the numbers, and barely made it. Kinda scary in FL, the heavy rain here is basically IMC.
 
I spent about 45 minutes in light to moderate rain in a DA-40, while IMC. I'll tell you, that it was the longest 45 minutes of my life. Seemed to drag on, and the pounding noise of the rain (in an already loud airplane) seemed to make it even worse. My passenger felt it was nice, because it was a constant drone, that put him to sleep. For me, it was tiring.

I don't mind doing some VFR flight through light rain (in fact, I've had rain on 4 out of 5 of the check rides I've taken), but its not as much fun in hard IMC.
 
Whatever you do, DO NOT stick your hand out the window while doing 140kts. Ouch. First and last time I did that.
 
My first flight in rain was my second solo. I was just doing pattern workabd you could see grey in the distance. Everyone in the school said I should be good for 3 turns at least. On my 2nd take off it started to pour on my windshield, my first reaction was to look for the windshield wiper button. Haha. I was a bit nervous and all I wanted to do at that point was get it on the ground. In the end it was uneventful.

Now when it rains I look down at the OAT to see if it's going to stick. That time of year is quickly approaching. Make sure you complete your winter quiz for 1 hour of credit, not on top of guarantee. Haha
 
Stomp16 said:
Whatever you do, DO NOT stick your hand out the window while doing 140kts. Ouch. First and last time I did that.
Click to expand...
My first time was about 30 knots faster. Ouch.

Anyway, don't fly pistons through planes. Cold water on those engines = shock cooling.

-mini
 
drunkenbeagle said:
Last time I was in heavy rain, it was actually in a glider. Gliders sink pretty fast in rain, I was at 3000' 2 miles from the field, went straight for the numbers, and barely made it. Kinda scary in FL, the heavy rain here is basically IMC.
Click to expand...

Most of my rainy flying is in gliders too. The brick rate really seems to depend on the model though. A pegasus glide goes from 36:1 down to 8:1 in the rain, while my Genesis doesnt seem to be affected at all.

Another weird story... climbing in the rain... what?

Nice smooth 3-4 knot lift in moderate rain. :dunno:
 
I'm so glad I'm not the only one who's stuck the hand out the window doing 160kts... The look on the guys face who was sitting next to me was priceless as I wrestled with my wrist to get it back in the window. The others guys response? "what did you think would happen?" I honestly can say I didn't think about it.
 
you know by saying "dont stick your hand out" you just doomed like 20 people to sticking their hand out in the rain.

and dont get me started on "shock cooling"

:mad:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top