LA MS CSTL WTRS 

CIG OVC001 – OVC006. TOPS TO FL240. VIS ¼ – ¾ SM FG. SWLY WND. 16Z CIG OVC010 VIS 2 SM BR. OCNL VIS 3-5SM –RN BR OVC009. OTLK…MVFR CIG VIS. 

FL 

CIG BKN020 TOPS TO FL180. VIS 1–3 SM BR. SWLY WND. 18Z BRK030. OTLK…MVFR CIG. 

At this time, there are no SIGMETs or PIREPs reported. However, there are several AIRMETs, one for IFR conditions, one for turbulence that covers the entire route, and another for icing conditions that covers an area just north of the route: 

WAUS44 KKCI 111150 

DFWS WA 0111150 

AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR VALID UNTIL 111800 

AIRMET IFR...OK TX LA AR MS AL FL TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND IFR CONDS. 

NON MSL HGHTS DENOTED BY AGL OR CIG. 

A recheck of NOTAMs for Gulfport confirms that the localizer to runway 32 is out of service until further notice and runway 18/36 is closed. If runway 6 is planned for the departure, confirm that the climb restriction for the departure can be met. 

GPT 12/006 GPT LOC OS UFN 

GPT 12/008 GPT MIRL RWY 18/36 OS UFN 

Since the weather is substantially better to the east, Pensacola Regional Airport is a good alternate with current conditions and a forecast of marginal VFR. 

METAR KPNS 111150Z 21010Z 3SM BKN014 OVC025 09/03 A2973 

TAF KPNS 111152Z 111212 22010KT 3 SM BR OVC020 BECMG 1317 4 SM BR OVC025 

FM1700 23010KT 4SM –RA OVC030 

FM 0400 25014KT 5SM OVC050 TEMPO1612 P6SM OVC080 

If weather minimums are below a pilot’s personal minimums, a delay in departure to wait for improved conditions is a good decision. This time can be used to complete the navigation log, which is the next step in planning an IFR flight. [Figure 10-19] 

Use the POH/AFM to compute a true airspeed, cruise power setting, and fuel burn based on the forecast temperatures aloft and cruising pressure altitude. Also, compute weight- and-balance information and determine takeoff and landing distances. There will be a crosswind if weather conditions require a straight-in landing on runway 14 at GPT. Therefore, compute the landing distance assuming a 10-knot crosswind and determine if the runway length is adequate to allow landing. Determine the estimated flight time and fuel burn using the winds aloft forecast and considering Pensacola Regional Airport as an alternate airport. With full tanks, the flight can be made nonstop with adequate fuel for flight to the destination, alternate, and the reserve requirement. 

Next, check the surface analysis chart, which shows where the pressure systems are found. The weather depiction chart shows areas of IFR conditions and can be used to find areas of improving conditions. These charts provide information a pilot needs should a diversion to VFR conditions be required. For this flight, the radar depicts precipitation along the route, and the latest satellite photo confirms what the weather depiction chart showed. 

When the navigation log is finished, complete the flight plan in preparation for filing with flight service. [Figure 10-20] 

Call an FSS for an updated weather briefing. Birmingham INTL airport is now reporting 700 overcast with 3 miles visibility, and Gulfport-Biloxi is now 400 overcast with 2 miles visibility. The alternate, Pensacola Regional Airport, continues to report adequate weather conditions with 2,000 overcast and 3 miles visibility in light rain. 

Several pilot reports have been submitted for light icing conditions; however, all the reports are north of the route of flight and correspond to the AIRMET that was issued earlier. No pilot reports have included cloud tops, but the area forecast predicted cloud tops to flight level 240. Since the weather conditions appear to be improving, a flight plan can be filed using the completed form. 

Analyze the latest weather minimums to determine if they exceed personal minimums. With the absence of icing reported along the route and steadily rising temperatures, 

