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“Winds Aloft” When Cruising Under 3000 Feet

Asked by: 2605 views General Aviation, Private Pilot, Student Pilot, Weather

If I have to cruise well below 3,000 feet, what should I do to get my winds aloft for my cross country planning? 

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1 Answers



  1. KDS on Apr 18, 2019

    The FAA answer would say interpolate between surface winds and the lowest winds aloft.

    As a rule of thumb, the wind at 3,000 AGL will be about 30 degrees to the right of the surface wind in the Northern Hemisphere due to coriolis effect.

    I’ll also add that unless it either has a turbine engine or you own it and fly it a lot, figure that it’s going to fly slower than the book says and burn more fuel than the book says. While you’re at it, also figure the winds are going to be more unfavorable than the forecast says.

    I once ran out of fuel while trying to calibrate my gas gauge. I didn’t like the experience. Fortunately, it was in a Ford Mustang. A similar event in a Cessna or Piper is even less pleasant.

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