Weather Hazards

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Weather Hazards

Recently, several major airlines have experienced significant flight delays due to a weather phenomenon known as a “thunderstorm”. These thunderstorms have caused massive amounts of disruption to travelers, as well as the airlines themselves. Earlier this week, American Airlines cancelled more than three fifty flights due to thunderstorms across the southeastern United States. Delta Airlines also experienced significant delays, with more than five hundred flight delays in total. The cancellations and delays have been attributed to the intense thunderstorm that has been plaguing the region.

The impact of a thunderstorm on aviation is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. A thunderstorm can cause turbulence and wind shear, resulting in higher fuel consumption and increased risk of structural damage to aircraft (Olaganathan, 2020). Additionally, a thunderstorm can cause visibility to drop significantly, resulting in landing and take-off delays. These delays can be a huge inconvenience for both travelers and airlines alike. For travelers, a delay can mean missed connections and wasted time. For airlines, it can mean a significant loss in revenue due to the extra fuel and crew costs associated with the delays.

It is crucial to understand the weather patterns in the area and take preventable measures to minimize the impact of a thunderstorm on aviation. Airlines should use weather forecasting tools to anticipate potential thunderstorms and take steps to avoid them. Airlines should also be prepared to take extra precautions if a thunderstorm is encountered. These precautions could include slowing the aircraft to avoid turbulence or increasing the altitude to reduce the risk of structural damage. The impact of thunderstorms on aviation cannot be ignored. By understanding the weather patterns in the area and taking preventable measures, airlines can limit the disruption to travelers and the financial losses associated with thunderstorms.

References

Olaganathan Dr, R. (2020). Significance of Incorporating Weather Technology Training for GA Pilots to Curb Fatalities. International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace, 7(2), 13. https://commons.erau.edu/ijaaa/vol7/iss2/13/