How Radar Works
Remember:
Everything that is in your cockpit has a delay to it except for ON BOARD RADAR. Anything via a data connection will not be current, and is often older than the actual timestamp on it.
In-flight weather resources include:
- ADS-B
- XM Weather
- Approach Control (TRACON)
- Center Control (ARTCC)
- Ask the tower controller to look out the window
- If Tower is busy, call the ground controller on com 2 when you’re still 50nm out and ask him to look out the window and give you an opinion
- Use FSS to get an updated briefing or ask a specific question (122.2 or as noted on the chart)
- Relay to other aircraft that may be operating in the area you are going
- 4G or 3G to your cell phone if you are low enough
- Onboard weather radar (super expensive, $100k+)
- Strike finder or old ADF for lightning strikes (old working ADFs can be tuned to a low frequency and the needle will point towards strikes)
- Think outside the box