Overflying Hurricanes
 

What are some characteristics that can be expected when overflying tropical systems? I observed flights heading to south Florida a few days ago and tops in the bands were FL550 so I'm curious how to safely accomplish this having not flown geographically near a hurricane. Are you IMC the entire time? Is it bumpy the entire time? Bad time for a depress? Just surprised me to see flights filed over the top of the eye even.

Bumpy in the tops, but sorta stratified lower, constant "fire-flies." A good bit of cloud to cloud lightning. Lower altitudes bumpy. I heard a Coastie one night, looking for a fishing boat, sounded like he was in a chopper. (C-130)

Typically a number of thunder cells rising out of the weather below are the primary hazard, as can be a place to go if a descent is required. Expect warmer temperatures aloft with a potential lower optimum altitude and reduced efficiency.

I flew over Hurricane Sandy enroute to the NBAA that year. Smooth as glass on top of cirrus at F450, passenger in the back was taking a shower (yes, we had one in a Global). JAX asked us to descent to F410 for traffic--got pretty bumpy then.

GF

Curious if someone could chime in on flying the WATRS region this week, especially if you were in the low-mid 30s to/from Caribbean. Nothing specific I am asking, just what it was like and what your routing may have been like, further toward BDA?