WX Radar Operation
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 348
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From: Good From Far, Far From Good
WX Radar Operation
Hi All,
Interested to hear from experienced pilots about WX radar operation.
The standard formula I was taught is
Tilt angle = 5.5- ((Flight level)/selected range)
However there are times when the radar isn’t set well and thus this formula doesn’t always work.
I’ve been told to tilt it down till you receive ground echoes then raise the tilt gradually till you get reasonable echoes for what you can see out the window.
Still I would like to know more (especially in night operation)
Your inputs are well appreciated.
Many Thanks
Interested to hear from experienced pilots about WX radar operation.
The standard formula I was taught is
Tilt angle = 5.5- ((Flight level)/selected range)
However there are times when the radar isn’t set well and thus this formula doesn’t always work.
I’ve been told to tilt it down till you receive ground echoes then raise the tilt gradually till you get reasonable echoes for what you can see out the window.
Still I would like to know more (especially in night operation)
Your inputs are well appreciated.
Many Thanks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,571
Likes: 3
From: Arizona USA
On new(er) aircraft, the tilt angle may be more precise, so the formula might work, but generally find that with the older radar equipment, tilt down 'til ground returns are received, then up a bit.
On the TriStar, about two degrees down on the dial at (for example) FL330 was about right.
Of course, you can scan the height of the cells as well, but this takes a bit more experience with the particular equipment to be properly done.
On the TriStar, about two degrees down on the dial at (for example) FL330 was about right.
Of course, you can scan the height of the cells as well, but this takes a bit more experience with the particular equipment to be properly done.
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Madrid
A good rule of thumb that usually works (depending on particular aircraft) is for a FL between 300 and 350 select range to 80NM and tilt down 2 degrees, all echoes that remain in the screen at 40 NM should be considered closely, reducing to a closer range and playing with the tilt.
