Short Final: Beachball

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot reviewing weather for a local flight encountered a unique Pilot Report (PIREP).
  • The PIREP from a Cessna 172 described "continuous moderate chop" at FL025.
  • It included a vivid and humorous analogy: "ITS LIKE BEING A BEACHBALL AT A NICKLEBACK CONCERT UP HERE TODAY."
  • Influenced by this clear description of turbulent conditions, the pilot decided to forgo the flight.
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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

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