Hi

This happened to me on a Delta / Skywest flight yesterday at BTM but it's really a general aviation issue. Butte, MT is a mile high btw.

The afternoon flight on a CRJ200 barely made it in ahead of a powerful snow squall. One minute overcast and whiteout the next. Then clear just as suddenly.

The flight was lightly loaded, only about half full.

They had to ask for three volunteers due to w/b why? Was it because the temp dropped or the plane got wet / snowy and weighed more? I thought colder temps increased performance / lift. The plane was only half full and waited for ATC clearance. We had to deice before taking off "number one for departure" with no other active aircraft <G>.

The only reason I can think of is a last minute heavy cargo bolus but CRJ's really can't carry much cargo. They didn't ask people to move forward in the cabin for example.

Have at it avgeeks.

They were offering $400 Delta dollars but stressed they were not required to offer compensation. I learned this is true if due to weather / operational issues or downgrade of aircraft. I had not interest in volunteering because I wanted to get home to my Honey.

Jim