Free software is a bit of a problem when there is a problem - but the price
is right.

I've experienced the great benefits of having CBAV on board many times.
This past weekend I experienced significantly reduced capability without it.

Coming back from Ocracoke, it slowly became apparent that RDU was being hit
by thunderbumpers. The airport appeared to close for awhile and according
to the controller "we'll be back in a few minutes with a plan".

The airport started taking approaches again but tstorms were still obscuring
the area. I tried high, I tried low but everytime I tried to go to home at
8nc8 or RDU, I found my way "blocked" either by IMC or VMC with lightening
and rain.

I continued to drive the controller crazy with a series of requests but I
refused to ask for a clearance because I had no intent of going into IMC.

I am convinced I could have circumnavigated the area and landed home or at
RDU with CBAV. If I could have seen what was on the other side and some
sense of how it was growing or moving, a plan could have been developed.
Without it, I had to land at 5W5. And with no Nexrad available there, it
was time to punt. The FBO was closed but the airport owner was kind enough
to drive us home to return the next day. Thanks Paul!!

Long Live CBAV!!!

"PaulH" wrote in message
om...
Mine's been down for a month. I emailed them and got only an note
that they were having "server problems" - no indication of how long.
A real nuisance this time of year.

TAFs and METARs were down too a while back but seem to be OK now.