Automatic cloud base measurement systems?
 

Although it may well be prohibitively expensive, I am interested in any automatic cloud base measuring systems that might be suitable for private sites. Any advice on types/suppliers/cost etc? Be nice to have a more accurate idea on cloud base when doing IMC let downs than guestimating from nearest airports - if open!

I worked at one unit where the chief pilot was totally against such devices. Reason? If we knew how low the cloudbase really was we might not try to make an approach...... :rolleyes: Sad, but true.

About £10-15k for a refurbished one. Up to £40k for a new one

Try
http://www.vaisala.com/weather/produ...rs/cloudheight
We had an earlier version installed about 4 years ago and it's been excellent - can be remotely linked to other sites, I believe, or maybe linked to a website, should you wish to interogate from elsewhere.

Good luck :ok:

I think that they are coming down in price a bit: the last one I heard of was under the £10K new. Most police units have been forced to buy them, so the path is fairly well trodden.

I recall a company/website Skyview that are another source

We've had a Vaisala unit for many years now. An excellent unit, does what it says on the tin. Worth it's weight in gold on a dark and stormy night.

And then you might want a vizometer at £8500,-

You could try these guys
http://www.muir-matheson.com/Sensors-Clouds.php

Excellent; thanks to all. The power of PPRune - achieved more than Google could!

We have the Vaisala unit on our offshore installation. Just gone 10 years continuous operation before first incidence of u/s. I know from experience that the pilots rely heavily on it.

Is is part of a Fugro Geos system. See them at http://www.geos.com/

As mentioned before another vendor is Muir Matheson.

I would expect to pay 'Oilfield' prices for both of these companies. Not sure if you can get a 'cheaper' version for onshore.

Our system was originally installed by InstallOcean, who were then bought out by Fugro. I see they still have a web site at www.installocean.co.uk/ so you could try them to see have done a CHC on it.

Since we are mentioning possible vendors. We should also point to met-enguk.

Hi

As a non-pilot type - can you make approaches now to a private site and descend below safety altitude while still IMC?

2S

Is that a) 'can you' or b) 'is it legal' to?

a) Yes
b) No




PS 2STROPS - your profile lists your occupation as 'Pilot'. Which one is it? :confused::confused:

And seems strange that a "non pilot type" knows what IMC and safety altitude means! So what type actually are you, 2STROPS?

It's still a very pertinent question when someone wants to get such a piece of equipment for a private site.