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Weather Phenomena Affecting Flight
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Tornadoes
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that can destroy airport infrastructure and ground equipment. Flying near a tornado is extremely dangerous due to the risk of severe turbulence and updrafts.
Microburst
A microburst is a small, intense downdraft that spreads outwards as it hits the ground. It can cause severe changes in wind speed and direction over a short distance, which can be hazardous during the landing or takeoff phase of flight.
Solar Radiation
High solar radiation can lead to increased atmospheric temperatures, potentially causing convective currents and thermal turbulence, affecting flight stability and safety.
Diurnal Temperature Variation
Diurnal temperature variation can lead to different flight performance throughout the day, such as reduced engine efficiency and variations in air density that affect lift during takeoff and landing.
Supercooled Large Droplets (SLD)
SLD can form ice beyond the capabilities of an aircraft's deicing systems, leading to rapid accumulation of ice. SLD encounters can cause significant lift loss and control issues.
Temperature Inversion
A temperature inversion occurs when temperatures increase with altitude, which can trap pollutants and lead to poor visibility and unexpected wind shear conditions for aviation.
St. Elmo's Fire
St. Elmo's Fire is a weather phenomenon where a luminous plasma is created by a coronal discharge from a sharp or pointed object in a strong electric field in the atmosphere. While it does not damage the aircraft, it can be distracting for pilots.
Clear Air Turbulence
CAT is a sudden severe turbulence occurring in clear air between cloud layers, caused by strong wind shears. It's dangerous because it occurs without visual warning, affecting aircraft stability and can cause injuries if passengers are not buckled up.
Dust Storms
Dust storms can carry fine particles high into the atmosphere, posing a threat to engines and visibility. Pilots must avoid flying through these storms to prevent abrasive damage and ensure safety.
Lightning
A lightning strike can result in electrical failures, temporary loss of control systems, and structural damage to the aircraft. Aircraft are designed to withstand strikes, but direct hits can still lead to serious safety concerns.
Squall Lines
Squall lines are long lines of thunderstorms that can cause severe wind shifts, heavy precipitation, and low-level wind shear. They pose a serious risk for aircraft, particularly during takeoff or landing.
Jet Streams
Jet streams are fast flowing, narrow air currents in the atmosphere. They can create turbulence and influence flight time, potentially reducing or increasing it significantly based on the direction of flight and jet stream flow.
Snow
Snow can disrupt visibility and accumulate on runways, making takeoff and landing hazardous. It necessitates use of deicing techniques and can lead to flight delays or cancellations.
Volcanic Ash Cloud
Volcanic ash clouds consist of fine ash particles that can damage aircraft engines and airframes. Encounters with ash clouds can result in engine failure and abrasive damage to the airframe, necessitating avoidance of areas with volcanic activity.
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can cause severe turbulence, lightning strikes, hail, and heavy rain, all of which pose risks to aircraft by affecting visibility, potentially damaging the airframe, and challenging the stability of the flight.
Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones, or hurricanes, bring extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and turbulence. They severely disrupt flight paths, airport operations and can lead to structural damage to aircraft if encountered.
Hail
Hail can occur during thunderstorms and consists of solid ice particles that can damage the aircraft's exterior, leading to emergency landings or unscheduled maintenance. It poses significant danger during flight ascent or descent.
Mountain Waves
Mountain waves are atmospheric waves caused by airflow over mountain ranges. They can result in severe turbulence and downdrafts, making flight over mountains particularly risky and sometimes causing extreme altitude changes.
Freezing Rain
Freezing rain occurs when rain falls through a layer of freezing air, turning to ice on impact. This can cause a rapid increase in airframe weight and reduce control, too hazardous for safe flight.
Fog
Fog significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult for pilots to see runways and obstacles during takeoff and landing, often leading to delays or diversions to airports with Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).
Icing Conditions
Icing conditions exist when there is visible moisture and temperatures close to or below freezing. It can result in ice buildup on critical aircraft surfaces and requires the use of anti-ice or deicing systems.
Wind Shear
Wind shear refers to a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can be extremely dangerous during takeoff and landing, potentially leading to loss of control.
Ice Accretion
Ice accretion refers to the buildup of ice on an aircraft's surfaces, which can occur in freezing conditions and precipitations. It alters airflow, increases weight, and can lead to loss of control or lift, making deicing procedures essential.
Hoar Frost
Hoar frost forms on cold, clear, calm nights and can affect lift by changing the wing's aerodynamic shape. Pilots need to remove frost before takeoff to prevent lift and control issues.
Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from weather phenomena like lightning can disrupt avionics and navigation systems, potentially compromising safety. Aircraft are equipped with shielding to reduce EMI effects.
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