The ever-changing weather affects more than just our daily lives; it impacts the safety of travelling by air as well. Whether it be extremely hot weather or gusty winds, weather conditions can have a significant impact on aviation and flight safety. In this article, we are going to take a look at how weather conditions affect flight safety and how pilots and aviation personnel are prepared to handle such situations.
1. How Weather Impacts Flight Safety
Weather plays an integral role in air travel safety. Unpredictable weather can make for a hazardous flying situation, especially in areas of the world with more severe weather patterns. Even seemingly harmless cloud cover can cause significant slowdown to air traffic.
- Strong winds can cause turbulence, making flights uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous. High gusts and gust fronts are particularly dangerous, as they can temporarily push aircrafts off course or cause jetliners to lose altitude quickly.
- Icing is another major concern for pilots, as it can impact the way an aircraft performs in the air. Accumulation on wing surfaces can cause a buildup of weight and decrease aircraft performance. In extreme cases, icing can even prevent aircraft wings from producing lift and result in a crash.
- Poor visibility caused by low cloud cover can create hazardous driving conditons. This is when visibility is less than 1,200m, leading to reduced visibility and the potential for aircraft to collide with other objects.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the pilot to make the final decision when it comes to air travel safety. Pilots should consider the weather conditions and ensure there is sufficient margin of safety to make the flight viable. Of course, the pilot must also consider the regulations of the aircraft manufacturer when making a decision to fly. By taking into account these factors, the risks associated with flying can be minimized.
2. Assessing Risk: What Are the Factors?
When evaluating risk, it is important to understand the various factors that contribute to the magnitude of the risk. Let’s discuss a few of the common factors:
Probability
The probability of a negative event occurring is a key factor when assessing risk. The higher the likelihood that the event will occur, the greater the risk. However, low probabilities can also be particularly significant in some situations or conditions.
Consequences
The severity of the consequences resulting from a risk must be taken into account. These are essentially the stakes—how much is at risk in the event that the risk is not properly managed or mitigated. The higher the stakes, the greater the level of risk and the greater the need for risk management strategies to be put in place.
Tolerance
Finally, the level of tolerance that stakeholders have for different risks must be understood. This may vary from organization to organization, and stakeholder to stakeholder. It is important to be aware of the range in risk tolerance that exists so that risks may be managed according to the criteria established by the parties involved.
3. Knowing the Impact of Weather on Air Travel
Air travel is one of the most convenient ways to cross long distances, however it’s extremely vulnerable to weather conditions. No matter if you’re a commercial airliner, a pilot in a small plane, or a passenger looking to take a trip for leisure, you are very likely to be affected by inclement weather.
Changes in air pressure: When air pressure changes dramatically, it can cause turbulence that can make travel uncomfortable and dangerous. It can also cause errors in the readings of your plane’s barometric altimeter, leading to a hazardous navigation. Temperature changes: When temperatures change, it can cause air masses around you to move in different directions. This can lead to the occurrence of severe turbulence and updrafts/downdrafts, making it difficult to control the aircraft. In extreme temperatures, such as heat waves, aircraft performance can also be affected negatively.
Weather fronts: Weather fronts, or areas of low pressure, can cause very strong winds to appear suddenly, making it difficult to comprehend and maneuver the plane. In higher altitudes, they can generate severe turbulence and, in extreme cases, can even cause the aircraft to lose control.
Finally, storms: Storms are the most dangerous type of weather event for air travel, producing powerful winds, heavy rain, snow or hail, and, in some cases, even lightning. Thunderstorms are particularly worrisome, as they provide strong updrafts and downdrafts that can make it very hard to keep the aircraft steady and level. In addition, the high winds present can disrupt engine performance or lead to the encounter of strong crosswinds.
- Changes in air pressure
- Temperature changes
- Weather fronts
- Storms
Knowing the potential risks of adverse weather conditions for your air travel is a key asset for any pilot or passenger. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences that inclement weather can have in your air journey.
4. Solutions for Weather-Related Flight Disruptions
Delay Rebooking
When a severe weather condition disrupts one’s flight, rebooking is a common solution. Airlines will typically work with passengers who have been impacted by the weather to reschedule a flight that best meets their needs. Doing a bit of research to find other non-affected flights that might be more suitable options for the individual can also prove helpful.
Long-Term Solutions
It’s not realistic for those severely affected by weather-related flight disruptions to continuously attempt rebooking to better fit their individual needs. Therefore, there are other long-term solutions to consider such as:
- Travel Insurance – Purchasing a travel insurance policy can provide peace of mind that even if an issue arises, it will be quickly resolved.
- Preparation – Plan ahead of the trip to know the airline’s policies so it’s easier to switch flights in the event of an issue.
- Canceling Early – Canceling the flight early and eating the cost is sometimes the best option.
Keeping Patience
No matter which solution is chosen for a weather-related flight disruption, the best thing to do is keep patience throughout the process. Reaching out to a travel agent or other customer service officers for assistance can often be helpful in navigating the process and finding the best resolution.
Though weather can never be 100% accurately predicted, where possible plan ahead to have a contingency plan for a weather-related disruption. Weather-related flight issues can be extremely frustrating, however keeping calm and looking for the best possible solution can help make it a more bearable process.
Weather can be fickle, but don’t let it take away from the gravity of flight safety. When flying, make sure there is always a plan B when weather threatens the journey. Taking that extra step could mean the difference between a safe and comfortable flight, and one plagued with turbulent weather.
