Extreme Heat Affects on Aviation
Weather paired with aviation can be viewed as potentially a beautiful scenic ride but also a disastrous one. Flying an aircraft in harsh weather is all determined by the FAA. Pilots' true expertise is significantly shown when they are permitted to fly in extreme conditions.
An aircraft can be delayed if not canceled due to the extreme heat in certain parts of the United States. On July 17th, 2023, Delta Air Lines Flight 555 from Las Vegas was canceled due to the weather temperature inside the cabin. The temperature outside that day was 111 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature inside the cabin is only a minuscule part of the damage extreme heat can do to the integrity of the jet (Reid, 2023). According to the FAA, when the air temperature is too hot, the air is less dense and generates less lift for the aircraft to take off. Extreme heat is also a factor in how much an aircraft can hold. Multiple avionic systems run throughout commercial aircraft and to have them heat up could cause many problems along the way. The more humid and hot the outside temperature is, the more the aircraft and airfoil performance degrades.
Climate change has presented us with outstanding temperatures. Throughout the upcoming years, the aviation industry will have to work diligently to cater to travel demands while being presented with unprecedented temperatures and environmental factors.
Reid, C. (2023). FAA Issues Ground Stop At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Simple Flying. https://simpleflying.com/ground-stop-phoenix-sky-harbor-international-airport-july-24-2023/
It is true a pilots expertise plays a role in flight in extreme conditions but is that enough. Should more flight be grounded or delayed when we are experiencing extreme weather conditions or would it be beneficial in the situations of extreme temperatures for airports to extend hours to accommodate the daytime highs. This would require an ordnance change in some areas.
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