Severe Weather Phenomena in Aviation

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Severe Weather Phenomena in Aviation

When we fly, we often don’t think about the weather beyond rain or clouds. However, many different weather conditions can affect aircraft safety and comfort. Modern aviation is very safe, but understanding these weather phenomena helps explain why flights are sometimes delayed, diverted  or feel uncomfortable.

Let’s look at the most important weather conditions that affect aviation—explained in simple terms.


Turbulence

Turbulence is the most common weather experience passengers notice during a flight. It happens when air moves unevenly, causing the aircraft to shake.

Most of the time, turbulence is harmless and only uncomfortable. However, very strong turbulence can be dangerous, especially for smaller aircraft. Turbulence usually occurs near clouds, particularly thunderclouds.

There is also something called clear-air turbulence, which happens in clear skies and cannot be seen on radar. This type of turbulence can come as a surprise to both pilots and passengers, causing sudden bumps during the flight.


Aircraft Icing

Aircraft icing is one of the most dangerous weather threats, especially for small aircraft.

Ice can form on an aircraft’s wings, body or engines when it flies through very cold clouds containing tiny water droplets. These droplets freeze instantly when they touch the aircraft. Ice changes the shape of the wings, reducing lift and making the aircraft harder to control.

Modern airplanes are equipped with ice-protection systems, but icing is still a serious concern. Meteorologists carefully monitor and forecast areas where icing is likely so pilots can avoid them.


Strong Wind

Strong winds can affect flights both near the ground and at high altitudes.

On the ground, strong crosswinds winds blowing from the side are especially challenging during landing. If it is unsafe, pilots may abort the landing or divert to another airport.



At higher altitudes, strong winds are linked to jet streams. These fast moving air currents can slow an aircraft down when flying against the wind. However, when flying with the jet stream, aircraft can travel much faster, saving time and fuel.


Wind Shear

Wind shear is a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance. It is especially dangerous during takeoff and landing.

When wind shear occurs, the aircraft may suddenly lose lift or gain it unexpectedly. Close to the ground, this can be extremely dangerous. Fortunately nowadays in modern aviation aircrafts and airports use advanced systems to detect wind shear and warn pilots in time.


Mountain Waves

Mountain waves occur when strong winds blow over mountains. On the other side of the mountain, the air can move up and down in powerful waves.

These waves can be dangerous for light aircraft, helicopters, gliders, and other small flying vehicles because of strong downdrafts. In some cases, however, glider pilots use the rising air to gain altitude.

Mountain waves are common in certain regions and are closely monitored by weather experts.


Reduced Visibility (Fog and Clouds)

Flying through clouds or fog means pilots rely on instruments rather than what they can see outside. Thanks to modern navigation systems, aircraft can safely operate even in very poor visibility.

However, fog at airports is a major challenge. It can reduce the number of aircraft that can safely take off or land, it leads  to delays and cancellations.


Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are the most dangerous weather phenomenon for aviation.

They contain powerful updrafts and downdrafts, severe turbulence, lightning, heavy rain, hail, icing, wind shear, and even tornado-like formations. Thunderstorms can be dangerous above, below, beside, and inside the cloud.

Because of these risks, pilots usually avoid thunderstorm areas completely. Meteorological services continuously monitor and forecast thunderstorms to ensure flight safety.


Weather data is critical for safe flying. Meteorological services collect data from weather stations, satellites and international networks to provide accurate and timely forecasts.

Airplanes fly in the atmosphere and knowing its condition in advance helps pilots, airlines and air traffic controllers make safe decisions.

Weather plays a huge role in aviation safety. Thanks to Almighty Allah for modern technology, trained pilots and accurate weather forecasting, flying remains one of the safest means of travel. Even when the weather isn’t perfect. 

So Let's Fly...


SOURCE: INTERNET

 

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