Short Final: Beachball

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot report (PIREP) from a Cessna 172 described turbulent flight conditions.
  • The PIREP vividly described the turbulence as feeling like "a beachball at a Nickelback concert".
  • The author used the PIREP to inform their decision to avoid flying in the area.
  • The PIREP showcased the value of pilot reports in conveying weather conditions.
See a mistake? Contact us.

A couple of weeks ago, I was looking at weather in preparation for a local flight. As I reviewed all the data from the local area including pilot reports, I saw the following PIREP from a Cessna 172 who had been flying in the area:

FL025/TP C172/TB CONT MOD CHOP/RM ITS LIKE BEING A BEACHBALL AT A NICKLEBACK CONCERT UP HERE TODAY

It was a great word picture of conditions. I decided not to be a beachball.

Tom Pflug

Omaha, NE

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE