A Stormy Takeoff From KIAH

Here are some shots of an American Airlines A320 taking off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH) in Houston, Texas this morning using the RW weather reported as: Visibility 1/4 mile in fog and mist, ceiling obscured with thunderstorms in the area.

 

Turning onto fog shrouded Runway 15L for takeoff.

 

Cleared for takeoff.

 

As we accelerate down the runway right at rotate there's a blinding lightening flash directly ahead of us that lights up the whole cockpit.

 

We're o.k. - positive rate - gear up!

 

Climbing out into IMC.

 

 

Starting to get above it.

 

But not out of the woods yet - more cloud to cloud lightening just off the right wing.

 

Turning on course on the ND. Looks like clearing ahead.

 

Leaving the bad stuff below.

Edited January 24, 2021 by BillD22

Looks great Bill! Those clouds are amazing.

 

I need to spend more time understanding this bird, particularly in learning the FMS and basic flight dynamics. Just feels rather slow to respond to input from the joystick. As of now it's beautiful, but frustrating.

nice stuff

Thanks Darren & James

Great shots, Bill! I know real world pilots may not like it, but I always enjoy having challenging weather in the sim.

Great shots, Bill! I know real world pilots may not like it, but I always enjoy having challenging weather in the sim.

 

Thanks Chris. Yes - it's a whole lot less stressful and hazardous to your safety looking at it on a monitor than than in the RW!! :D:pilot:

Edited January 25, 2021 by BillD22

Good pics. of your takeoff and climb Bill. :pilot: Only fun in flightsim. :D

And another very realistic flight! :pilot:

I like the atmosphere in that first shot!