Flying in the rain without a license?

Question

My boyfriend's birthday is this weekend, and he is going to be a "Fighter Pilot for a Day" (www.aircombatusa.com). The forecast shows a 70% rain, and I'm assuming he couldn't fly then, but then I was thinking maybe he could since there will be an actual pilot with him. Does anyone know the rules for this?

I've had this planned for 8 months, and it can't be rescheduled except for 6 months in advance, and not in the same city, so really i'm trying not to get my hopes completely crushed here!

Yes, I already said it could be rescheduled, so I already know that and the weather policy. It's just that they travel to cities, and probably won't be in San Antonio again for another year. And this is his 21st birthday, so it was going to be very special if it was on that day (neither of us drink, so nothing else exciting is going on).

So, I know the rescheduling policy, I just don't know what "bad weather is" when flying.

Answer 1

Don't panic just yet. Flights are authorized by the FAA based on cloud ceilings and visibility. If the ceilings are sufficiently high and visibility is good despite the rain, he should be OK to fly. Usually the FAA wants 3000-foot ceilings and 3 miles of visibility for "visual" flight, where you just go up and fly where you want and look for other traffic. However, I'm sure the air combat guys will want greater ceilings (and possibly visibility) since they'll be doing a lot of maneuvering. For instance, I was up formation flying in my "warbird" last saturday. We had over 5 miles of visibility and 6,500 foot ceilings and did just fine flying through occasional showers.

Just remember though - the air combat thing is about maneuvering the aircraft and seeing the other plane (or planes) that you're competing against. Going up in the clouds prevents this and thereby negates the purpose of the ride, besides being illegal from the FAA standpoint. So to be safe and get the most for your money, it will need to be pretty good weather, and you (and he) are better off waiting (or getting your money back) if the weather is poor. It's an expensive gift and you'll want to get the most out of it.

I hope he appreciates a girlfriend who thinks enough of him to buy him this ride !

One last thought - the forecasts are often wrong so don't give up until the day of the ride.

Answer 2

It depends on the kind of rain. If it's a light drizzle then they should be able to climb above the cloud ceiling. If it's a thunderstorm then they will likely ground the flights. I would call Air Combat for more info.

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Ok, since I gather he's going to be flying with a 'professional' pilot who has all his ratings, they could still fly in some not nice weather. Some of the thrill may be lost without the visibility (you can't see what's going on)

Just checked the weather for San Antonio. If you're flight is on Fri or Sat, you may be in luck. But they're predicting thunderstorms on sunday and the flight probably won't happen then.

If it looks like the flight is a no-go, try to make the best of the situation. Get a bottle of sparkling cider and head down to the local FBO to watch planes take off. Come home and have a good dinner and watch Top Gun. Maybe get him a gift certificate for a flight lesson (An introductory flight will run about $50) that he can use later this week. It's not Air Combat, but it's something. (Get him a pilot's log book along with the gift cert so he can start logging time towards his license)

Answer 3

Hi... I called and spoke to someone at Air Combat. Sounds like a really cool thing you are doing for your boyfriend...
She said you were probably flying out of San Antonio, since that's where they will be this weekend. As I thought, all of the pilots are very highly rated, and they would not fly in any unsafe conditions. And the planes are IFR certificated, so it then becomes a decision by the Pilot In Command, based on a variety of factors, weather being one of them.
I was impressed when I called, and am even checking into it, as they will be in Georgia in a couple of months.
I was hoping you'd call them, as I really do think talking to them coule alleviate some or all of your concerns. This company is also the only company that has been doing this for as long as they have, and have some very highly rated pilots, and fly exceptional aircraft...
So, if you haven't talked to them yet, think about calling and expressing your concerns. It really is a great thing you are doing for your boyfriend...
BTW, the phone number is 1-800-522-7990.
Good luck, and best wishes to both of you...

Answer 4

of course he will have a very experienced pilot with him. If that pilot decides its a no go due to weather, then you have no choice but to re-book. Then he'll have another six months to anticipate the thrill of a lifetime, so more enjoyment for your money.

Answer 5

Given that your doing this through a bussiness I would call them and ask.^_^ I personally do not forsee a problem unless the weather forces an abort of the flight.

Answer 6

It is unlikely he will be able to fly.This type of flying would require VFR to be able to see the other aircraft.They may have an alternate plan but it probably won't be simulated combat. Sorry

Answer 7

Well if he doesn't get to fly, common sense would dictate that you at least wouldn't be out any money or they'd have to reschedule, right???

Answer 8

Why don't you just ask the folks at aircombat?

If it is raining, its possible they could do the air2air flying above the
cloud deck, if visability permits.

Answer 9

mind-blowing, I particularly have one in all those question like that, how does acid which could burn by using each thing be waiting to stay interior the bottle playstation . i will positioned on mascara with my mouth close =] have a solid day x =]

Answer 10

these kind of liesure flights don't usually happen when the visibility is not good otherwise it would be a waste.