Sunday night (12/02/2007) the weather in Ottawa and all the way down to Toronto was what could be described as horrendeous. There was an occluded front passing thru the Kingston area and with the temperature inversion present the formula for freezing rain was nearly perfect. Those of you who are paying attention know that I’d prefer the train but since I was doing a back to back Toronto trip, I chose to fly WestJet instead.
Upon arrival at the airport (2 hours early I might add) the weather was clear and cold but I was informed that my plane was cancelled. Having never flown with WestJet I was unaware that when they cancel, instead of sending you on a competitor’s plane, like Air Canada would, they just bump you to the next plane they have scheduled. Which in my case was the following day. This was not acceptable if I wanted to be in Markham for my training the following day.
So I did what any self respecting pilot would, I got in my car and aimed it in a southwesterly direction. As I left the city of Ottawa, a small smattering of freezing rain began to pelter my windshield. I could have taken this as a warning sign, but I did not. I deceded that if I could make it to the 401 without any severe icing, I would finish my trip. I was successfully driving along Highway 416, in the clear, temp was -10C and climbing. I passed the 401 on ramp and made my way towards Belleville, -8C now. As I approached the city a torrential downpour of rain started to slam the road and my car. It was SCARY. I have really good winter tires on my vehicle but this was insanity. The road became as slick as an ice rink. I felt the pucker factor quite strongly but then realized that the rain was falling at such an intense rate it simply created a slushy/snowy effect across the entire highway. the snow/slush was so deep that my car effectively became a boat. It was extreme!
I kept my distance from all other vehicles and tried to keep my speed up around 80 km/h/. This kept the biggest trucks behind me (you do not want to get passed in this stuff!) and allowed me freedom to utilize the entire highway as needed. I discovered that the best thing to do was relax my grip and “ride” with the motion of the road. (Much like riding out turbulence in a 172, less is more) as the slush would push the car towards one side, I would simply enter some input to the other side and ride it out. I did this for at least 3 hours. As I approached Pickering the temp was now +1C and the rain stopped freezing but was still flowing. At least by now the road was clear and wet but not icy.
I managed to arrive to my hotel at 2:30 AM. Total time enroute was 5.75 Hours and I believe that at least 4 of that was total IFR!
So I can say now that I have experienced severe clear icing but at least my “airframe” was worthy!
I called WestJet to explain my prediciment, they at first pointed me towards a no refund policy, but after a bit of pressure and my insistence, a full refund was applied. Thanks WJ!
I still need to drive home this Friday but I think my airline days are over. I’ll be flying low in a Chrysler 300 or riding the “rocket” because so far the big wings are simply unable to meet my travel requirements. Looks like it will be some time before I can test my Fear of Flying theory further.
I had hoped to try some flight time here out of Buttonville airport but with all of the snow falling it might be better to do some seat flying from my hotel room. Warm, cozy and no need to pre heat!
It wasnt a planes fault, but weather, you know how it can be esp up in the great white north!
hehehe BUT have a little faith in the big boys Mr Mike, they fly a million times a day, and though your not in “control” you should know, your in great hands, apparently, the best of the best no? 
I think you need to give it an honest try, and not right it off just yet, you will sore with the big boys for sure, but sounds like its only going to be in a Cessna!
My 2 cents, I want my change back when your done
I would agree with you but in this case I wonder how much “weather” had to do with the planes delay and eventual cancellation. Air Canada managed to get out 3 planes and even little porter with their Q400 prop planes flew out with 2. I think WestJet just needs bigger cajones!!
I just hope that when I’m in my Cessna, I stay out of their way!!