Think before taking off into approaching bad weather. Waiting a few minutes can make all the difference.

By Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Way back in the bad old days when I had just a few hundred hours of flight time, I recall how I would get quite obnoxious during my preflight preparations. (Of course, some say I still am, regardless of when I might be flying next, but that’s only because I know what they don’t.) The challenge of herding all the cats necessary for a safe departure sometimes made for brusque conversation with me. Get over it.

These days, I’m more laid back before departing, at least outwardly. I’m still running through a mental checklist, though, and trying to make sure everything gets done in a logical order. I’ve also come to…