Flying to East Tennessee....

[Bartman]

I suggest you file IFR.  

I flew down from the North to KGCY today and about 20 miles out I contacted KTRI and asked for a popup IFR for RNAV 5.  The controller said no problem getting in VFR and visibility was 8 miles on AWOS so I agreed.  As I descended below 3000 the controlled called the field and I had contact at about 5 miles out.  However, as I continued my descent the high overcast suddenly exposed the sun, and I must have been looking thru a thicker layer and suddenly visibility was more like 3 miles and MVFR.  Still reporting 6 miles on AWOS.

I heard about the smoke and forest fires on the news, but I had no idea it was that bad down there.

When I left I filed IFR

Edited November 24, 2016 by Bartman

[Wakeup]

I attempted to fly to Asheville, NC today but had to plan on landing an hour away due to smoke.  Of course after landing it turned VFR in Asheville but I didn't want to risk it.  I need my instrument ticket!! 

[eman1200]

34 minutes ago, Wakeup said:

I attempted to fly to Asheville, NC today but had to plan on landing an hour away due to smoke.  Of course after landing it turned VFR in Asheville but I didn't want to risk it.  I need my instrument ticket!! 

where did u end up going?  I'm supposed to fly to KDKX on saturday, hoping it's not an issue.

[Jeff_S]

Here's what it looked like flying home from Charlotte yesterday.

 

[AaronDC8402]

Visibility is very dependent on winds right now. Some days is perfectly clear, other days it's 3 to 5 mile vis from 3000AGL all the way to the ground. Had to fly the RNAV into TYS a few days ago due to smoke.

Also, be aware of all the TFR's in the area for fire fighting activity. 

 

Edited November 24, 2016 by AaronDC8402

[Marauder]

Wonder if this smoke is what I photographed yesterday. Whatever it was very low level and did not appear to be a cloud. Saw it approaching southern Delaware.





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[Ratherbflying]

The winds do make a tremendous difference. I departed Monroe County early last week on a morning with no wind. AWOS reported mile and a half visibility, but it was very deceptive... standing on the ramp it didn't look like a problem staying visual at all. However, as soon as I rotated I lost the horizon and didn't get it back until 4500 feet.

Right before me a guy departed VFR, and 5-10 minutes later I heard him request a clearance from Knoxville. They sent him over to Flight watch.

If you're going down there make sure you're current and capable.

 

 

[Browncbr1]

I've had to get SVFR clearances a few times lately and it was pretty straight forward.  If KTYS is calling 4-5miles vis, you should expect 2-3 and just ask for SVFR clearance.  The worst I have seen it the past month was 1.5mile vis on KTYS metar.   As the post above noted, it's not a good idea to do it unless you have had lots of good practice on instruments..