Lightning

[Bob Cook]

I have had fair amount of experience with the RDR150. It is not very effective as a radar. You need vertical stabalization and a good size reflector before it becomes an effective tool. You really do need to know how to interpret a b/w radar. You can get suckered!

On Friday I came thru one front and a "mess" of wx between Tallahasse and Savanah. Nexrad showed level 4 TCU. Stormscope showed clear. Hmmm. ATC showed NOTHING!. They were pushing 30k ft.

Later on.... over PIT. Level 4 on Nexrad. Strikefinder - good action (+30 hits/min). ATC- level 2-3. I went around them at 15kft.

Believe ATC, forget it. #1 visual avoidance, #2 stormscope, #3 nexrad, #4 radar. ( in order of importance).

CB's can build quickly in afternoon heating too fast for nexrad or ATC to catch. MHO.

I prefer to dodge them visually <G> in smooth air.

Bob