PA-30 Twin Comanche
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 1500; Flight Crew Type 75
Communication Breakdown; Other / Unknown
Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Weather; Aircraft; Human Factors
[I] used Foreflight to check weather before flight from ABQ to BVU. I saw an AIRMET for turbulence but other than that there were no AIRMETs. Radar looked pretty clear with a few scattered showers. I had an IFR [flight plan] on file but I was unable to use it due to freezing level being low. After calling Flight Service for some information we heard on the radio an airplane heading north so we decided to follow him; hopefully around the weather. The Controller seemed very helpful calling us with information. When we heard the aircraft going north begin to report low visibility we decided to turn around and head south due to the high terrain. Since I was just building multi-time and enjoying the view of the west we skirted along the edge of the storm looking for a hole big enough to head west. At this point the Controller got very angry with us. I tried to explain we were from the east just sight seeing VFR. I think it is very important people know that the radar on Foreflight does not show all precipitation. I do not know if this was because of the mountains but it was very inconvenient.
The weather information discussed was viewed during preflight and did not compare favorably with what was encountered in flight. This aircraft did not have XM or ADS-B capability.
PA30 pilot describes a VFR flight out of ABQ and some of the limitations of Nexrad as viewed on Foreflight.