Pre-Report Comment:
I have extended the weather graphs to show Tuesday, as this looks like the first REALLY nice morning in a long while to get into the skies!
Magaliesberg Weather for the Weekend of Sat 24 – Sun 25 November, 2012
Disclaimer: This weather guide is precisely that, a 'guide'! Use it, but question it, and always do your own research before flying! Remember that it remains the PIC's responsibility to conduct an independent check of the weather at the point of departure and destination before taking off, by using official weather sites and official published weather reports!
Note: This weather report is for Aeroden (25°43'30.17"S 27°44'23.90"E), a lodge and airstrip on the northern side of the northern Magaliesberg ridge, 6 miles west of the Hartebeespoort Dam wall - so PLEASE check the relevance to the area in which YOU plan to fly!
ALL COMMENTS/OPINIONS ARE WELCOME! The weatherman can be wrong!
For the
LATEST Magaliesberg WX go online to:
Aeroden >>
http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php?sc=395350
Brits >>
http://www.windguru.cz/int/index.php?sc=79714
Firstly, the
WEATHER RADAR for South Africa dd. 23.11.2012 @ 08h00:
Weather Radar courtesy of
http://www.weatherphotos.co.za/
Comment: Rain & cloud this weekend! Please check local weather before heading for the airfield!
Now,
MAGALIEBERG WEATHER (in the Aeroden area):
(Note: This is a ‘2000m AGL’ view of the winds, with the top row of wind arrows at 3000m/9842ft altitude)
Saturday 24th November:
Wind: NE 4-6 knots increasing to NW 10-14 knots later in the morning.
High-Level Winds: YES!
Temperatures: 17-24C
Cloud Cover: YES - low level cloud!
Precipitation: Yes, later in the morning/day
Comments: Not flying weather, but depends on cloud cover and winds aloft (this can improve, so check back) - rather fly on Sunday!
Sunday 25th November:
Wind: S 4-7 knots increasing to S 7-11 knots later in the morning.
High-Level Winds: Yes, but flyable - expect to get bounced about a little at altitude, as well as low level close to the mountains!
Temperatures: 16-26C
Cloud Cover: Some, but at higher level
Precipitation: No
Comments: Careful of longer take-off roll due to southerly wind in the early morning, so watch your all up weight! Careful of rotor off the mountain!
For an
instant weather report from
Aeroden Weather Station (25°43'30.17"S 27°44'23.90"E):
SMS "AD" to 36010 (Cost R5 - free SMS do not apply)
CAUTIONARY: A southerly wind at Aeroden means ROTORS off the mountain, especially when on final approach!
STAY ALERT!!!
Be ready for ABRUPT directional corrections at low level and be ready to apply power if you find yourself descending faster than expected!
Weather Flying Tip: Remember, especially with the tail-wind take-off on Sunday to CHECK take-off weight and to be prepared for an extended take-off roll! Also, double-check your take-off ABORT POINT: Must have achieved 70% of take-off/rotation speed (Vr) at 50% of runway length!
Useful Weather Websites:
WindGuru
http://www.windguru.cz
Kobus Botha Weather
http://www.weatherphotos.co.za
South African Weather
http://www.weathersa.co.za
For instant weather reports from
OTHER Weather Stations, SMS the Weather Station Code (
BOLD text) to 35010 (Cost R3 - free SMS do not apply)
Rustenburg
FARG
Vaal Dam
VAAL
Kitty Hawk
FAKT or
http://www.fakt.co.za/weatherstation.html
Midrand
MID
Aeropark Zynkraal
AZA
Krugersdorp
FAKR
Other Web-Based & Dial-in Weather Reports:
Kroon (25°39'33.50"S 27°59'58.98"E)
http://www.microflyers.co.za/weather/
Aviation MET Office: +27 82 233 9600 or +27 83 233 8800
(provide location/routing and flight level)
Safe Skies!
John.com