My first IFR flight in actual IMC was a very special one. We saw anvil clouds, heavy rain, and lightning from miles away during the flight. We saw a tornado near the airport half hour after landing.
I flew from KBVY to KBHB on Saturday
morning, it was actual IFR with
rain, and mist, but no convective activity. The C182 N6453H pretty much
flew itself, and all I had to do was to push knobs and buttons. For
practice, I made the ILS 22 approach at BHB with autopilot off. It was early
morning, and high pressure prevailing in the area. It was quite smooth. There is a NEXRAD display in the plane.
I passed through the green areas, but avoided any yellow or red ones
Rain in clouds
Problem areas on NEXRAD
On our way back, it was a bit
more tricky. There was a convective SIGMET outlook from 5 PM to 9 PM. A high pressure system was sending moisture from the
Gulf to the Great Lakes, and all the way into MA from the West. Due
to extreme heat, the moisture was being lifted. There were a fair number of thunderstorms inland, however, due to cool
water, there were none on the ocean. I flew ten miles off the coast
(with my life jacket on), and could see dozens of anvils from
Portland to Portsmouth. We took pictures of lightning. It was scary for an inexperienced pilot. I
stayed VFR on the IFR plan.While I was high on adrenaline, wife and kids barely registered any danger because the
ride was smooth.
Mass moving East as we start our flight back
Towering cumulonimbus, and anvil clouds over Portsmouth
The two days spent in MDI between the two hours of flying were exceptional. We ate at our favorite places, headed to trails, relaxed on lakes, and sat at the beaches and harbors. The best part about the MDI (Mount Desert Island) area is the free shuttle service that runs every half hour to most popular destinations. We decided not a rent a car and used the bus. Double thumbs up to the MDI vacation, our third one in three years.
Here are some pictures and a video from the MDI.
Relaxing at Jordan Pond
Asticou Park
Checking out Northeast Harbor
Zain at Thuya Gardens
Bar Harbor
Momina's purchase (a painting) fits in the back, while kids nap during the flight
And here is the video of our exciting three day weekend.
