Unintentional Thunderstorm Penetration

T-34C INSTRUMENTS

APPENDIX A

Twoway radio failure and surrounding circumstances are so varied that exact procedures to be

followed may not be covered in every situation. In an attempt to cover the majority of situations

that will be encountered, the FAA has published specific procedures (FAR 91) that must be

complied with and with which all pilots shall be familiar. These procedures are available to the

pilot in flight in the Emergency Procedures Section of the FIH. When confronted with a

situation not covered in the handbook, the pilot is expected to exercise good judgment in

whatever action he/she elects to take. Under any circumstances, the pilot should guard all

available communications frequencies, and, if so equipped, set the transponder in accordance

with procedures prescribed in the FIH.

A107. UNINTENTIONAL THUNDERSTORM PENETRATION

See NIFM 86, T34C NATOPS Chapter 18.

The first and most important rule about thunderstorms is to avoid them and to avoid any area

where they may be found. Should unintentional thunderstorm penetration occur, follow the

NATOPS "Thunderstorms and Turbulent Air Procedures." Additionally:

Fly attitude. Do not attempt to chase every variation in the altimeter or airspeed indicator.

The information they give in a thunderstorm, especially in relation to pitch angles, is often

unreliable. Fly the attitude indicator and let the aircraft's inherent stability do its job. It will be

impossible to maintain altitude. Do not attempt it. Instead, concentrate on maintaining a straight

and level attitude.

Do not reverse course. An attempt to do a 180 turn in the most severe part of a

thunderstorm could put the aircraft in serious jeopardy. The aircraft loses some of its stability in

a turn, it is easier for the pilot to become disoriented, and the chances are he is already more than

halfway through the storm when he makes the decision to turn.

A108. ICING

Refer to the NATOPS "Inflight Icing" section. Intentional flight into or during icing conditions

is prohibited in the T34C.

Since instrument flight may involve prolonged operation through areas of visible moisture, it is

imperative to note the outside air temperature, particularly during climbs and descents, and to

avoid entering icing conditions. The pitot heater, windshield defogger, and engine air bypass

door are the only devices available to combat icing, and are of limited value in removing ice.

Use them when entering visible moisture before ice has a chance to accumulate. Fly over, under,

or around any known icing conditions when at all possible. If ice has formed despite all

precautions, land as soon as possible. Increase your airspeed during the approach to maintain

positive control of the aircraft. Consider a noflap landing.

SUPPLEMENTARY FLIGHT PROCEDURES AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES A-3