You’re navigating through a storm. How can you keep your aircraft on course?

1 Know your equipment

Before you enter a storm, make sure you are familiar with your aircraft's navigation equipment and how to use it properly. You may need to rely on different types of instruments and systems depending on the severity and nature of the storm. For example, you may use a GPS, a VOR, an ADF, or an inertial navigation system (INS) to determine your position and direction. You may also use a radar, a stormscope, or a lightning detector to identify and avoid areas of high precipitation, turbulence, or electrical activity. Review your aircraft's manual and check the functionality of your equipment before you take off.

3 Communicate with ATC

Communication with air traffic control (ATC) is essential when you are navigating through a storm. ATC can provide you with valuable information and guidance, such as weather updates, traffic advisories, route clearances, and emergency assistance. You should maintain contact with ATC throughout your flight and report any changes or difficulties you encounter. You should also listen to other pilots' reports and requests to get a sense of the situation and avoid conflicts. If you lose contact with ATC, follow the lost communication procedures and try to reestablish contact as soon as possible.

4 Monitor your instruments

When you are flying through a storm, you may experience reduced or zero visibility, which means you cannot rely on visual cues to navigate. You have to trust your instruments and interpret them correctly. You should monitor your primary flight instruments, such as the attitude indicator, the airspeed indicator, the altimeter, and the turn coordinator, to maintain your desired attitude, speed, altitude, and heading. You should also monitor your navigation instruments, such as the GPS, the VOR, the ADF, or the INS, to track your position and course. You should also monitor your weather instruments, such as the radar, the stormscope, or the lightning detector, to identify and avoid areas of high risk.

6 Stay calm and focused

Finally, one of the most important skills you need to navigate through a storm is to stay calm and focused. Flying through a storm can be stressful and demanding, but you should not panic or lose your situational awareness. You should follow your checklist, procedures, and instructions, and avoid making sudden or drastic changes. You should also maintain a positive and confident attitude, and remember your training and experience. You should also be aware of your physical and mental state, and avoid fatigue, dehydration, or hypoxia. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure, do not hesitate to ask for help or declare an emergency.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?