Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 22; Flight Crew Total 809; Flight Crew Type 743
Situational Awareness
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Weather
Filed IFR to ROA 10;000 FT MSL.  Encountered clouds with turbulence and rapid build-ups.  Thunderstorms reported ahead and airlines being diverted.  Wholly inadequate weather support on board.  While in contact with Flightwatch; deviated from course in attempt to escape immediate peril and failed to notify Cleveland Center in time.  Experienced precession errors too.  Also; altitude excursions of approximately 500 FT.  After course reversal due to turbulence and shear returned to base.  Now investing in more sophisticated weather instrumentation and services. (Enough discomfort -- time to write a check.)
PA28 pilot on IFR flight plan at 10;000 FT reports encountering thunderstorms and turbulence. A course reversal is initiated prior to advising Center and several altitude deviations occur.