I love to go flying but there is one “adage” that I have never forgotten;
It’s better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up there wishing you were down here”.
Today was a case in point. I’m getting close to the expiry of my currency and therefore the pressure is always on to get get up in the air and do some flying. My partner was coming with me so it seemed like a great opportunity. A quick check of the weather showed a nice strong wind coming straight down the runway but the forecast weather showed some temporary issues with gusting winds anytime during the day. I seemed “do-able” so we set off for the airfield.
When we arrived at the airfield several instructors were briefing other students (probably commercial students) and I decided to do another check of the weather. Again, the weather showed the wind straight down the runway but now the forecast was for gusting winds pretty much all day. What should I do.
Bearing in mind the adage above I decided that gust of 25kts would not be pleasant even if I was prepared to try it, especially not for my passenger. It didn’t really matter what the rest of the aviators in the club house were planning, this was a decision for me alone. I decided not to run the gauntlet of bad weather despite, night ratings and IMC ratings – they are my backup should things go wrong. I cancelled my booking and we packed up and went home. I’m glad we did because the weather as we drove the 30 minutes home, deteriorated, and stayed bad for the next hour at least.
I’m glad I’m down here, and I’ve booked the aircraft for another day.
