AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 91
6.21.3.1.1. 20 NMs at or above flight level FL 230.
6.21.3.1.2. 10 NMs below FL230.
6.21.3.1.3. 5 NMs for tactical low-level operations below FL230 provided the
outside air temperature is at or above 0°C at flight altitude. Avoid gust fronts and
winds preceding a rapidly moving thunderstorm.
6.21.3.1.4. CAUTION: Aircraft damage may occur up to 20NMs from any
thunderstorms. Aircrews must familiarize themselves with information on
thunderstorm development and hazards. Refer to AFH 11-203, Weather for Aircrews.
6.21.3.2. The use of ground-based radar as a means of thunderstorm avoidance should
only be used to assist in departing an inadvertently penetrated area of significant weather.
It will never be considered a normal avoidance procedure. When relying exclusively on
ground-based radar for weather avoidance, and the ground controller is unable to provide
avoidance instructions, attempt to maintain VMC by:
6.21.3.2.1. Changing routing.
6.21.3.2.2. Diverting to alternate.
6.21.3.2.3. Declaring an emergency and requesting priority assistance.
6.21.3.3. In order to minimize exposure to thunderstorm hazards when approaching or
departing an airport in an area where thunderstorms are occurring or are forecast:
6.21.3.3.1. Attempt to maintain VMC.
6.21.3.3.2. Maintain at least 5NMs separation from heavy rain showers
6.21.3.3.3. Avoid areas of high lightning potential, i.e., clouds within plus or minus
5,000 feet of the freezing level or plus or minus 8°C of the freezing level.
6.21.3.3.4. Approaches or departures may be accomplished when thunderstorms are
within 10NMs providing they are not producing any hazardous conditions (such as
hail, lightning, strong winds, gusts fronts, heavy rain, wind shear, or microburst) at
the airport, and are not forecast or observed to be moving in the direction of the route
of flight (to include the planned missed approach corridor, if applicable).
6.21.4. Lightning Avoidance. The following conditions are most conducive to lightning
strikes and prolonged flight in them should be avoided:
6.21.4.1. Within 8C of freezing.
6.21.4.2. In clouds or in any intensity of precipitation or turbulence associated with
thunderstorm activity.
6.21.5. Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET). National Weather Service inflight
weather advisories are not limiting to Air Force aircraft. Contact the nearest military
weather facility or flight service station for details, if applicable.
6.21.6. Temperature Corrections. Refer to AFI 11-202V3 and the Flight Information
Handbook (FIH) Section D for temperature corrections.