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Does anyone agree that the current Airbus Weather Radars aren't as good as they used to be ? I've noted the following :
1) Weather picture suddenly changes from yellow to red as you approach closer to the cloud.
2) Auto-tilt is overly conservative (tilt down). Manual tilt needs to be used often.
3) Gaps between clouds disappear as you approach closer.
I have flown radars from the DC-9-30 all the way up to the newest ones in the single aisle Airbus. I would take auto tilt any day anywhere. I have taken Archie Trummel's weather radar course and understand all about tilt control. All the earlier radars had their faults, and there may be a few with auto tilt, but the reason why we have radar to begin with is to avoid severe weather, not find a way to fly through it. I realize that flying in the tropics is a whole different animal than flying in the states.