Originally Posted by
marcal
The problem with the Multiscan radar is that is super sensitive and makes even light rain look at times like the end of days. It is easy to be lulled into a bit of a false sense of security when most of the time it paints significantly worse than what is actually out there. Typically when deviating around weather, particularly embedded weather I'll cycle between "scary mode" ie, AUTO, and "not scary mode" ie MANUAL. Its an art and a science.
AUTO will sometimes paint light rain as all red with cross hatches and red dots indicating lightning, turbulence, and hail when clearly there is none of that.
Technically the radar can be left in AUTO at all times but I've just found that if you do that and abide 100% by our rules for avoiding weather, we won't be able to run the airline. On that same note, I am in no way advocating for pushing weather or penetrating TS areas that should not be. I avoid everything as much as possible.
It will be interesting to see how this event happened and if they were actively using the radar/weather viewer/etc.
Auto has had me deviate around a buildup thousands of feet below me and farther away than necessary. So what? Happy to be the "frightened little child" as long as I finish the career without injuring anyone. The air line runs fine and will in these circumstances too. Time is the 4th dimension for avoidance. 15 late is not late according to the DOT.