You're not suppose to fly through CB's (thunderstorms) in the airlines .... near them, around them, maybe through a hole in them when there is no other option. You get really good with the radar, winds aloft, judging the height of CB's ahead of you, how fast they're building, and how much you have to deviate to clear the mess. The published "gouges" on thunderstorm deviation distances are generally too "big". You waste fuel when you go 40 miles off track when 5-10 would have gotten the job done. I'm not making this up ... I learned how to do "it" --- the right way --- during 22+ years of flying the Pacific being schooled on WX by the old "pros". Now, I have become one ..... :captain_1nittany03 said:
If CB's threaten the take-off or landing corridors, ATC should suspend operations. Pilots violate this at their own peril (at the risk of their passengers and crew, as well). This (edit*shutting down the runway*) frequently does not happen overseas, so the responsibility rests with the pilot, where it should be in any case. The company never "officially" counsels flying through CB's, of course, but they sure want you to get from point "A" to "B" ... Except in the case where the runway is shut down -- the Captain is usually the final judge --- with consultation from his crewmembers --- as it should be. Sounds like these Air France boys may have landed 1/2 way down the runway on a wet surface. We don't know for sure, but if true --- and for the sake of discussion, they stacked the deck against themselves. If you ever get into a similar bind, lose the pride and go around. I've done it. Don't push it.
Launching to a destination that is on the backside of a Typhoon or fogged in is always a test of wills between flight dispatch and the Captain. Extra fuel, alternates, bingos all figure into the flight plan, and the best flight plan will probably change enroute. I've never yet lost an argument with dispatch, but tomorrow is always another day. Having said that, if you know you are right --- stand your ground. If you're unsure -- know the rules, the dispatch requirements, and know your own capabilities and those of your aircraft. The airlines will never hammer you when safety is the question and reasonable precaution(s) is the answer.
Reverse training: In the Navy, when aboard ship --- we used to actively seek out and fly under CB's to give the birds a semblance of "fresh water washdowns". Fresh water on the ship (an oil burner -- not a Nuke) was at a premium and the priority was always the ship's boilers and catapults ..... and anyway, real sailors drank JP (at least it tasted like that).
Seattle's Best (across the street from the Starbucks) has free wi-fi. There I spent many an hour surveying Airwarriors.com. Of coruse, all the hot burka girls were at Starbucks.
