Weather Hazards Sec. 9.2
Weather Hazards
Weather
is always a factor in aviation and often causes operational disruptions that
can have serious implications for airlines, passengers, and the aviation industry.
The current impact of weather in aviation operations can be seen in several
ways. Firstly, severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and
winter storms can lead to delays and cancellations of flights. Recently, in the
central US more than 750 flights were cancelled and 5,300 were delayed (FlightAware,
2023). These weather events can cause airport closures, limited visibility for
pilots, and icing on the aircraft, which makes flying unsafe. All these factors
can cause increased operating costs for airlines due to additional fuel
consumption, maintenance, and scheduling problems. Despite the weather-related losses,
United Airlines reported an operating revenue of 12.4 billion in the 4th
quarter of 2022, which increases 14% from the previous year. (United Airlines,
2023).
Weather
conditions can also lead to increased turbulence, which can be dangerous and
uncomfortable for passengers. Climate change has led to unpredictable weather
patterns that used to be seasonal but are now occurring frequently increasing
the likelihood of turbulence. This raises concerns about passenger safety and
adds pressure on airlines' safety protocols. Pilot skills are particularly
important in ensuring safety during severe weather. Additionally, flight crews
are placed under increased stress in adverse weather conditions, which affects
their performance and judgment. Aviation companies must implement various
strategies to respond to these challenges, such as advanced weather forecasting
systems, contingency plans, and alternate routes to avoid bad weather areas.
Despite these precautions, weather remains an uncontrollable force that can
significantly impact the aviation industry, making it a challenging aspect of the
Aviation industry.
References
NWS
Aviation Weather Center. (n.d.). How weather can impact air travel. Retrieved
June 10, 2021, from https://www.aviationweather.gov/help/usage/travel
Schaefer,
L. (2019). Turbulence: A review of the concept, its causes, its detection, and
its avoidance. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 107, 74–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2019.03.003
Live Airline Flight Cancellations Info & Statistics,
FlightAware, May 15, 2023,
https://flightaware.com/live/cancelled/
United Airlines Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year
Financial Results: Achieved 9.1% Pre-tax Margin Ahead of Schedule in Q4, United
Airlines, January
17, 2023
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