60% Isn't Too Bad

Those who are involved in flying will know all about what some like to refer to as the "Shoulder Seasons" (Spring and Fall).  The seasons where the weather is changing, but can't really decide what it wants to do yet.  The weather patterns change, as temperatures cool and winter creeps it's way into Central Asia.

In the the mid-level locations, winter is almost here.  Kabul is dipping below zero in the evenings and overnight which gives way to some frost in the mornings.  Usually by check-in time however at 7:30, it's already on the plus side and the frost begins to disappear.

In the higher elevations such as Bamiyan, winter has pretty much arrived.  There's not much snow to speak of yet in the town, but it's inching ever lower down the sides of the valley.   Overnight temperatures are dropping well below zero, and even by mid afternoon, only have been reaching the single digits on the plus side.

Because of this, our companions in UN06W (the Helicopter Crew) have now joined us in Kabul.  They will be operating out of here for the winter months where better facilities exist to help them deal with the cold weather.

With the changing weather patterns, comes the dreary winter days we are all used to from back home.  The low overcast, that persists for days and days on end.  Bringing the occasional bout of precipitation.  Usually over here, a mix of rain and snow.

These days make it difficult to fly when you are not served by any sort of IFR Facilities or Approaches.  There is very little we can do, but sit back and wait for the weather to improve.  These difficulties are compounded by the local terrain.  Mountainous terrain can have a huge effect on the weather.  The people from Calgary unfortunately will recall the worst of this, where weather systems can "jam" against the side of hills and get stuck.  This makes the waiting period longer for things to subside, as they have nowhere to go.

You're probably curious what the 60% is all about.   Well, we made 3 out of 5 destinations today, due again, to the weather.  We're getting pretty good at filling out the Journey Log when we "Go Missed" at a destination, as there are certain procedures that must be followed there.

Here are some pictures that we managed to get yesterday and today...

AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter

OH-58 Kiowa Attack and Surveillance Helicopter

Off to Maymana

CH-53 Stallion Troop Transport and Attack Helicopter

That lovely weather...

On Top Of The Clouds

Not Very Nice Down There

Lots of "Cumulo-Granite" out there today...