Weather at Grand Forks

JaceTheAce · December 25th, 2003, 02:18

I am reconsidering the option to apply at UND. I've checked out the program thoroughly and spoke with an old friend that is graduating soon from the flight program. It looks like this may be one of my options.

My concern is how often does winter weather delay flight training? How is the weather in Grand Forks? I've checked out weather.com's averages throughout the year and that place get's pretty cold! Is it necessary to have a 4X4 vehicle? Engine block heaters too?

stuckingfk · December 25th, 2003, 09:25

Glad to see you are considering UND. Even though I complain about things here, it's still a very good program.

About the weather:

It really sucks in the winter and is absolutely great in the summer, late spring and fall. The weather can sometimes disrupt training, but it depends on which course you are in and what kind of instructor you have. Many instructors around here don't like going up unless it is severe clear, which I feel is a disservice to the students. My last instructor would go up in anything if UND allowed flights out, which was fine with me. A few weeks ago him and I went up and accidentally picked up some ice. But it helped to because now I know that those kinds of conditions will more than likely cause ice accumulation. I could feel the ice effect me trying to land. Overall, I thought it was a worthwhile experience. As for our summer flying, which is a must in my opinion, isn't so busy, the weather is great, and you can fly from 6 AM - 1 AM.

As for vehicles:

There isn't a need for a 4X4 vehicle unless you want to do some serious off roading. I have been driving a FWD vehicle for my normal operations since 8th grade and haven't had any trouble. As for block heaters, what kind of car do you have? I have one but don't need it because I drive a Honda. You may think that I am blowing smoke, but I am serious. It will start in anything. It may take a few cranks, but it will always start. Both my roomates both have chevies and have to plug them in otherwise they won't start when it is below -10. But if you really want a block heater, there are plenty of places that install them for $50-$100.

What ratings/certificates would you be coming in with? Any college credit? If you have any more questions, I am sure I can answer them or find someone who can.

JaceTheAce · December 25th, 2003, 12:18

Thanks for the prompt response. That's helpful information. I drive an '83 Honda Accord and I'm sure it'd do fine - it's a bomb proof engine.

I will be coming with a Private most likely. My father is a pilot and flight instructor (with CFI, CFII, ATP ratings) so I've been flying since I was about 5. I started doing take offs and landings at age 10, so I've got some experience. I'm saving up money to begin my Private this coming summer, so I should have that prior to transferring to whatever school I go to. I am looking into Embry-Riddle/Prescott Campus too because that's where my dad graduated from, and also qualify for an alumni scholarship because of him.

I have about 72 units of college credit with all my transfer requirements done for a CA State school (IGETC requirements). So I'm pretty much done with that. Now I just have to figure out where I'm going to finish my bachelor's.

Also, how is rent costs there? I looked online and found some nice places for $350 - a lot cheaper than the $1300/month I'm paying here in San Diego.

stuckingfk · December 25th, 2003, 22:50

If you come in with your private, you have to do the 112 test course which costs around $3000. If you don't come in with it but have over 30 hours, you have to do the 105 test course which is around $3000. So do what you want, but I would recommend the 105 since you will probably spend less money overall. They are actually in the process of changing these courses because they are a POS.

On the apartment issue. I have a 3 BR apartment with 2 other roommates. It is $710 a month, which is on the higher side in GFk and bills account for around $100 a month to bring the total to $810 split three ways. This is cheap in my opinion. We are looking to going into the best apts in town for is around $1000 for everything, which I still think is a good price.

mtsu_av8er · December 26th, 2003, 13:09

[ QUOTE ]
If you come in with your private, you have to do the 112 test course which costs around $3000. If you don't come in with it but have over 30 hours, you have to do the 105 test course which is around $3000.

[/ QUOTE ]

I was all ready to go to UND a few years ago, but that turned me off. It would have been nearly the same deal for the instrument, and the commercial (correct me if I'm wrong...). They said it's because they wanted to verify that I was up to their standards....do they write the FARS and train examiners??

Sorry, but I'm only paying for my ratings one time per...lol.

stuckingfk · December 30th, 2003, 19:20

For those of you who love ND weather, this is the METAR for GFK.

KGFK 310153Z 34011KT 1SM -SN BR BKN017 OVC029 M14/M16 A2985 RMK AO2 SLP130 P0000 T11391156=

It isn't that nice out right now, but a good time to practice instrument approaches.

December 31st, 2003, 14:59

Well it's nice to be back home in OH right now, clear skies and 55 out.

That metar makes me want to transfer I think.

...But for now it's off to OSU for the big New Years bash!!

Tsween · January 8th, 2004, 00:07

KGFK 080653Z 35003KT 10SM CLR M24/M27 A3025 RMK AO2 SLP273 T12391267

first post

clear and cold

stuckingfk · January 8th, 2004, 09:55

Whats up Tom, if this is you,

You are back I take it. I have been here during all this cold crap trying to get my flying done. I finally finished my flying up yesterday, did a x-country to the cities in an arrow. Took be only 1.5 from startup to shutdown. I had a 175 knot groundspeed so it went really fast.

Anyways, what brought you too the boards? Nice to see you here, ttyl

Tsween · January 8th, 2004, 13:23

Indeed it is me, i cant wait to get into 222, i heard the course is fun, i flew this past monday out of fargo in a 172 and shot ils and vor to 17 just to get my feet wet in what im going to do in 222, i made no fly by 1 degree, i hope the weather warms up a bit so i cn get some actual time in, well see you around

whats your aol?

January 8th, 2004, 16:51

I'm responisble for Sween being here. Being my roomate he has given me copious amounts of [expletive deleted] about always being on the boards. Now he's bout to be addicted.

Welcome Stepchild.

Matt

UND_Flyer · January 27th, 2004, 08:03

Speaking of weather...

KGFK 271353Z 28004KT 10SM CLR M34/M37 A3020 RMK AO2 SLP263 T1344=

Don't you just love the temperature?

JEP · January 27th, 2004, 08:04

but it's clear and little wind. great climb performance

stuckingfk · January 27th, 2004, 10:06

[ QUOTE ]
Speaking of weather...

KGFK 271353Z 28004KT 10SM CLR M34/M37 A3020 RMK AO2 SLP263 T1344=

Don't you just love the temperature?

[/ QUOTE ]

I flew the seminole last night when it was almost that cold. Climbing out at 105 getting 2000 fpm is pretty good. It was a quick climb to altitude last night.

CAFFEINE · January 27th, 2004, 10:26

And for the TAF...

KGFK 271644Z 271712 00000KT P6SM SCT025
FM1900 27007KT P6SM BKN040
FM2100 28010KT 3SM -SN OVC025
TEMPO 2224 3/4SM -SN
FM0100 31015G22KT 2SM BLSN BKN015
FM0600 33015KT P6SM SCT015=

CAFFEINE · January 28th, 2004, 06:33

Yuck...

[ QUOTE ]
Grand Forks International Airport
Last Update on Jan 28, 6:53 am CST
Fair
-33°F (-36°C)
Humidity: NA
Wind Speed: W 14 MPH
Barometer: 30.42" (1033.9 mb)
Dewpoint: NA
Wind Chill: -61°F (-52°C)
Visibility: 10.00 mi.

[/ QUOTE ]
From nws.noaa.gov

stuckingfk · January 30th, 2004, 07:37

KGFK 301353Z 29006KT 2SM FZFG CLR M41/ A3038 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 10 SLP335 VIS SE 4 T1411=

I have actually never seen freezing fog here in GFK. Is this really hazardous for aircraft?

UND_Flyer · January 30th, 2004, 09:58

[ QUOTE ]
KGFK 301353Z 29006KT 2SM FZFG CLR M41/ A3038 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 10 SLP335 VIS SE 4 T1411=

I have actually never seen freezing fog here in GFK. Is this really hazardous for aircraft?

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't you guys just love North Dakota

And yes, Freezing fog can be hazardous to aircraft. Aircraft on the ground during periods of freezing or frozen precipitation or fog and other icing conditions are susceptible to the buildup of ice on control surfaces, etc. But I'm sure we didn't even take the planes out of the hangar today...

UND_Flyer
<font color="green">GO SIOUX! </font>

JaceTheAce · January 30th, 2004, 17:26

Yeah, I was checking the weather at 9:30am Central time today and it was still -32 degrees.

Tsween · March 16th, 2004, 13:16

KGFK 162000Z 20017KT 1/4SM SN BKN005 OVC011 M01/M02 A2974 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 1/2 P0000

good weather on my spring break in the grand cities

stuckingfk · March 16th, 2004, 14:08

[ QUOTE ]
KGFK 162000Z 20017KT 1/4SM SN BKN005 OVC011 M01/M02 A2974 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 1/2 P0000

good weather on my spring break in the grand cities

[/ QUOTE ]

Tom,

Maybe you should have gotten your flying done some other earlier, at least you aren't waiting till the last minute!!

I am in Las Vegas right now, and here is the weather right now

KLAS 162056Z 34003KT 10SM FEW250 26/M04 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP175 T02561039 58024

I hope the rest of your spring break goes well.

Doug Taylor · March 16th, 2004, 15:36

Is that TODAY?!

Geez, 85F out here in PHX.

stuckingfk · March 16th, 2004, 15:41

[ QUOTE ]
Is that TODAY?!

Geez, 85F out here in PHX.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, I posted it about two hours ago, or whenever the time says. I have been by the pool drinking for a few hours and it is getting to me. Coming from ND this is absolutely beautiful.

I have some friends with me who have never been here and they can't believe it here. I have been going on a 4 day bender and have had the time of my life. Can't wait for JC Crawl 04'!!!

Doug Taylor · March 16th, 2004, 15:47

I've been to most cities across the country and AZ rocks.

mtsu_av8er · March 16th, 2004, 23:17

[ QUOTE ]
I've been to most cities across the country and AZ rocks.

[/ QUOTE ]

The desert southwest is among God's greatest creations....

December 25th, 2003, 02:18	#1
JaceTheAce Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Most of the time in the air Posts: 7,318	Weather at Grand Forks I am reconsidering the option to apply at UND. I've checked out the program thoroughly and spoke with an old friend that is graduating soon from the flight program. It looks like this may be one of my options. My concern is how often does winter weather delay flight training? How is the weather in Grand Forks? I've checked out weather.com's averages throughout the year and that place get's pretty cold! Is it necessary to have a 4X4 vehicle? Engine block heaters too?

December 25th, 2003, 09:25	#2
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Glad to see you are considering UND. Even though I complain about things here, it's still a very good program. About the weather: It really sucks in the winter and is absolutely great in the summer, late spring and fall. The weather can sometimes disrupt training, but it depends on which course you are in and what kind of instructor you have. Many instructors around here don't like going up unless it is severe clear, which I feel is a disservice to the students. My last instructor would go up in anything if UND allowed flights out, which was fine with me. A few weeks ago him and I went up and accidentally picked up some ice. But it helped to because now I know that those kinds of conditions will more than likely cause ice accumulation. I could feel the ice effect me trying to land. Overall, I thought it was a worthwhile experience. As for our summer flying, which is a must in my opinion, isn't so busy, the weather is great, and you can fly from 6 AM - 1 AM. As for vehicles: There isn't a need for a 4X4 vehicle unless you want to do some serious off roading. I have been driving a FWD vehicle for my normal operations since 8th grade and haven't had any trouble. As for block heaters, what kind of car do you have? I have one but don't need it because I drive a Honda. You may think that I am blowing smoke, but I am serious. It will start in anything. It may take a few cranks, but it will always start. Both my roomates both have chevies and have to plug them in otherwise they won't start when it is below -10. But if you really want a block heater, there are plenty of places that install them for $50-$100. What ratings/certificates would you be coming in with? Any college credit? If you have any more questions, I am sure I can answer them or find someone who can.

December 25th, 2003, 12:18	#3
JaceTheAce Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Most of the time in the air Posts: 7,318	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Thanks for the prompt response. That's helpful information. I drive an '83 Honda Accord and I'm sure it'd do fine - it's a bomb proof engine. I will be coming with a Private most likely. My father is a pilot and flight instructor (with CFI, CFII, ATP ratings) so I've been flying since I was about 5. I started doing take offs and landings at age 10, so I've got some experience. I'm saving up money to begin my Private this coming summer, so I should have that prior to transferring to whatever school I go to. I am looking into Embry-Riddle/Prescott Campus too because that's where my dad graduated from, and also qualify for an alumni scholarship because of him. I have about 72 units of college credit with all my transfer requirements done for a CA State school (IGETC requirements). So I'm pretty much done with that. Now I just have to figure out where I'm going to finish my bachelor's. Also, how is rent costs there? I looked online and found some nice places for $350 - a lot cheaper than the $1300/month I'm paying here in San Diego.

December 25th, 2003, 22:50	#4
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks If you come in with your private, you have to do the 112 test course which costs around $3000. If you don't come in with it but have over 30 hours, you have to do the 105 test course which is around $3000. So do what you want, but I would recommend the 105 since you will probably spend less money overall. They are actually in the process of changing these courses because they are a POS. On the apartment issue. I have a 3 BR apartment with 2 other roommates. It is $710 a month, which is on the higher side in GFk and bills account for around $100 a month to bring the total to $810 split three ways. This is cheap in my opinion. We are looking to going into the best apts in town for is around $1000 for everything, which I still think is a good price.

December 26th, 2003, 13:09	#5
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,468	Re: Weather at Grand Forks [ QUOTE ] If you come in with your private, you have to do the 112 test course which costs around $3000. If you don't come in with it but have over 30 hours, you have to do the 105 test course which is around $3000. [/ QUOTE ] I was all ready to go to UND a few years ago, but that turned me off. It would have been nearly the same deal for the instrument, and the commercial (correct me if I'm wrong...). They said it's because they wanted to verify that I was up to their standards....do they write the FARS and train examiners?? Sorry, but I'm only paying for my ratings one time per...lol.

December 30th, 2003, 19:20	#6
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks For those of you who love ND weather, this is the METAR for GFK. KGFK 310153Z 34011KT 1SM -SN BR BKN017 OVC029 M14/M16 A2985 RMK AO2 SLP130 P0000 T11391156= It isn't that nice out right now, but a good time to practice instrument approaches.

December 31st, 2003, 14:59	#7
Lurker Posts: n/a	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Well it's nice to be back home in OH right now, clear skies and 55 out. That metar makes me want to transfer I think. ...But for now it's off to OSU for the big New Years bash!!

January 8th, 2004, 00:07	#8
Tsween Newbie Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North Dakota UND Posts: 3	Re: Weather at Grand Forks KGFK 080653Z 35003KT 10SM CLR M24/M27 A3025 RMK AO2 SLP273 T12391267 first post clear and cold

January 8th, 2004, 09:55	#9
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Whats up Tom, if this is you, You are back I take it. I have been here during all this cold crap trying to get my flying done. I finally finished my flying up yesterday, did a x-country to the cities in an arrow. Took be only 1.5 from startup to shutdown. I had a 175 knot groundspeed so it went really fast. Anyways, what brought you too the boards? Nice to see you here, ttyl

January 8th, 2004, 13:23	#10
Tsween Newbie Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North Dakota UND Posts: 3	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Indeed it is me, i cant wait to get into 222, i heard the course is fun, i flew this past monday out of fargo in a 172 and shot ils and vor to 17 just to get my feet wet in what im going to do in 222, i made no fly by 1 degree, i hope the weather warms up a bit so i cn get some actual time in, well see you around whats your aol?

January 8th, 2004, 16:51	#11
Lurker Posts: n/a	Re: Weather at Grand Forks I'm responisble for Sween being here. Being my roomate he has given me copious amounts of [expletive deleted] about always being on the boards. Now he's bout to be addicted. Welcome Stepchild. Matt

January 27th, 2004, 08:03	#12
UND_Flyer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: CVG Posts: 1,008	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Speaking of weather... KGFK 271353Z 28004KT 10SM CLR M34/M37 A3020 RMK AO2 SLP263 T1344= Don't you just love the temperature?

January 27th, 2004, 08:04	#13
JEP Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Eden Prairie, MN (KFCM) (KMSP) Posts: 10,670 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Weather at Grand Forks but it's clear and little wind. great climb performance

January 27th, 2004, 10:06	#14
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks [ QUOTE ] Speaking of weather... KGFK 271353Z 28004KT 10SM CLR M34/M37 A3020 RMK AO2 SLP263 T1344= Don't you just love the temperature? [/ QUOTE ] I flew the seminole last night when it was almost that cold. Climbing out at 105 getting 2000 fpm is pretty good. It was a quick climb to altitude last night.

January 27th, 2004, 10:26	#15
CAFFEINE Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ontario, CA Posts: 652	Re: Weather at Grand Forks And for the TAF... KGFK 271644Z 271712 00000KT P6SM SCT025 FM1900 27007KT P6SM BKN040 FM2100 28010KT 3SM -SN OVC025 TEMPO 2224 3/4SM -SN FM0100 31015G22KT 2SM BLSN BKN015 FM0600 33015KT P6SM SCT015=

January 28th, 2004, 06:33	#16
CAFFEINE Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ontario, CA Posts: 652	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Yuck... [ QUOTE ] Grand Forks International Airport Last Update on Jan 28, 6:53 am CST Fair -33°F (-36°C) Humidity: NA Wind Speed: W 14 MPH Barometer: 30.42" (1033.9 mb) Dewpoint: NA Wind Chill: -61°F (-52°C) Visibility: 10.00 mi. [/ QUOTE ] From nws.noaa.gov

January 30th, 2004, 07:37	#17
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks KGFK 301353Z 29006KT 2SM FZFG CLR M41/ A3038 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 10 SLP335 VIS SE 4 T1411= I have actually never seen freezing fog here in GFK. Is this really hazardous for aircraft?

January 30th, 2004, 09:58	#18
UND_Flyer Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: CVG Posts: 1,008	Re: Weather at Grand Forks [ QUOTE ] KGFK 301353Z 29006KT 2SM FZFG CLR M41/ A3038 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 10 SLP335 VIS SE 4 T1411= I have actually never seen freezing fog here in GFK. Is this really hazardous for aircraft? [/ QUOTE ] Don't you guys just love North Dakota And yes, Freezing fog can be hazardous to aircraft. Aircraft on the ground during periods of freezing or frozen precipitation or fog and other icing conditions are susceptible to the buildup of ice on control surfaces, etc. But I'm sure we didn't even take the planes out of the hangar today... UND_Flyer <font color="green">GO SIOUX! </font>

January 30th, 2004, 17:26	#19
JaceTheAce Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Most of the time in the air Posts: 7,318	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Yeah, I was checking the weather at 9:30am Central time today and it was still -32 degrees.

March 16th, 2004, 13:16	#20
Tsween Newbie Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North Dakota UND Posts: 3	Re: Weather at Grand Forks KGFK 162000Z 20017KT 1/4SM SN BKN005 OVC011 M01/M02 A2974 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 1/2 P0000 good weather on my spring break in the grand cities

March 16th, 2004, 14:08	#21
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks [ QUOTE ] KGFK 162000Z 20017KT 1/4SM SN BKN005 OVC011 M01/M02 A2974 RMK AO2 TWR VIS 1/2 P0000 good weather on my spring break in the grand cities [/ QUOTE ] Tom, Maybe you should have gotten your flying done some other earlier, at least you aren't waiting till the last minute!! I am in Las Vegas right now, and here is the weather right now KLAS 162056Z 34003KT 10SM FEW250 26/M04 A3009 RMK AO2 SLP175 T02561039 58024 I hope the rest of your spring break goes well.

March 16th, 2004, 15:36	#22
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 40,226 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Weather at Grand Forks Is that TODAY?! Geez, 85F out here in PHX.

March 16th, 2004, 15:41	#23
stuckingfk Old Skool Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: El Forko Grande Posts: 2,575	Re: Weather at Grand Forks [ QUOTE ] Is that TODAY?! Geez, 85F out here in PHX. [/ QUOTE ] Yeah, I posted it about two hours ago, or whenever the time says. I have been by the pool drinking for a few hours and it is getting to me. Coming from ND this is absolutely beautiful. I have some friends with me who have never been here and they can't believe it here. I have been going on a 4 day bender and have had the time of my life. Can't wait for JC Crawl 04'!!!

March 16th, 2004, 15:47	#24
Doug Taylor Agent Smith Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: KSDL Posts: 40,226 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Weather at Grand Forks I've been to most cities across the country and AZ rocks.

March 16th, 2004, 23:17	#25
mtsu_av8er Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Utopia Posts: 12,468	Re: Weather at Grand Forks [ QUOTE ] I've been to most cities across the country and AZ rocks. [/ QUOTE ] The desert southwest is among God's greatest creations....

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