LA MS CSTL WTRS CIG OVC001 – OVC006. TOPS TO FL240. VIS ¼ – ¾ SM  FG. SWLY WND. 16Z CIG OVC010 VIS 2 SM BR. OCNL  VIS 3-5SM –RN BR OVC009. OTLK…MVFR CIG VIS. FL CIG BKN020 TOPS TO FL180. VIS 1–3 SM BR. SWLY  WND. 18Z BRK030. OTLK…MVFR CIG. At this time, there are no SIGMETs or PIREPs reported.  However, there are several AIRMETs, one for IFR  conditions, one for turbulence that covers the entire route,  and another for icing conditions that covers an area just north  of the route: WAUS44 KKCI 111150 DFWS WA 0111150 AIRMET SIERRA FOR IFR VALID UNTIL 111800 AIRMET IFR...OK TX LA AR MS AL FL TS IMPLY SEV OR GTR TURB SEV ICE LLWS AND  IFR CONDS. NON MSL HGHTS DENOTED BY AGL OR CIG. A recheck of NOTAMs for Gulfport confirms that the  localizer to runway 32 is out of service until further notice  and runway 18/36 is closed. If runway 6 is planned for the  departure, confirm that the climb restriction for the departure  can be met. GPT 12/006 GPT LOC OS UFN GPT 12/008 GPT MIRL RWY 18/36 OS UFN Since the weather is substantially better to the east, Pensacola  Regional Airport is a good alternate with current conditions  and a forecast of marginal VFR. METAR KPNS 111150Z 21010Z 3SM BKN014 OVC025  09/03 A2973  TAF KPNS 111152Z 111212 22010KT 3 SM BR OVC020  BECMG 1317 4 SM BR OVC025  FM1700 23010KT 4SM –RA OVC030  FM 0400 25014KT 5SM OVC050 TEMPO1612 P6SM  OVC080 Analyze the latest weather minimums to determine if they  exceed personal minimums. With the absence of icing  reported along the route and steadily rising temperatures,  Several pilot reports have been submitted for light icing  conditions; however, all the reports are north of the route  of flight and correspond to the AIRMET that was issued  earlier. No pilot reports have included cloud tops, but the  area forecast predicted cloud tops to flight level 240. Since  the weather conditions appear to be improving, a flight plan  can be filed using the completed form. Call an FSS for an updated weather briefing. Birmingham  INTL airport is now reporting 700 overcast with 3 miles  visibility, and Gulfport-Biloxi is now 400 overcast with 2  miles visibility. The alternate, Pensacola Regional Airport,  continues to report adequate weather conditions with 2,000  overcast and 3 miles visibility in light rain. When the navigation log is finished, complete the flight plan  in preparation for filing with flight service.  [Figure 10-20] Next, check the surface analysis chart, which shows where  the pressure systems are found. The weather depiction chart  shows areas of IFR conditions and can be used to find areas  of improving conditions. These charts provide information a  pilot needs should a diversion to VFR conditions be required.  For this flight, the radar depicts precipitation along the route,  and the latest satellite photo confirms what the weather  depiction chart showed. Use the POH/AFM to compute a true airspeed, cruise power  setting, and fuel burn based on the forecast temperatures  aloft and cruising pressure altitude. Also, compute weight- and-balance information and determine takeoff and landing  distances. There will be a crosswind if weather conditions  require a straight-in landing on runway 14 at GPT. Therefore,  compute the landing distance assuming a 10-knot crosswind  and determine if the runway length is adequate to allow  landing. Determine the estimated flight time and fuel burn  using the winds aloft forecast and considering Pensacola  Regional Airport as an alternate airport. With full tanks, the  flight can be made nonstop with adequate fuel for flight to  the destination, alternate, and the reserve requirement. If weather minimums are below a pilot’s personal minimums,  a delay in departure to wait for improved conditions is  a good decision. This time can be used to complete the  navigation log, which is the next step in planning an IFR  flight.  [Figure 10-19]  10-29