The opportunity of plane departures throughout thunderstorm circumstances is a fancy difficulty involving a number of security and operational components. Extreme climate, together with lightning strikes, heavy precipitation, wind shear, and turbulence, poses vital dangers to aviation. For example, a sudden downdraft can drastically alter an plane’s altitude throughout vital phases of flight, comparable to takeoff. Moreover, decreased visibility on account of heavy rain or hail can additional complicate secure operation.
Understanding the impression of thunderstorms on flight operations is important for making certain passenger security and sustaining environment friendly air journey. Traditionally, limitations in climate forecasting and plane expertise restricted operations throughout such circumstances. Nevertheless, developments in meteorological radar, climate modeling, and plane design have progressively enhanced the flexibility to evaluate and mitigate a few of these dangers. This understanding underpins the event of strong security protocols and laws governing flight operations in antagonistic climate.
This exploration delves into the precise risks related to thunderstorms, the technological and procedural safeguards employed to handle these dangers, and the continued analysis geared toward additional bettering aviation security throughout inclement climate. Inspecting these features supplies a clearer image of the advanced interaction between climate and aviation.
1. Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes pose a major threat to plane, notably throughout takeoff and touchdown. Whereas plane are designed to face up to lightning strikes, they will nonetheless trigger injury and disrupt vital methods, elevating security issues throughout these weak phases of flight. Understanding the character of those dangers is paramount for knowledgeable decision-making relating to flight operations throughout thunderstorms.
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Bodily Injury
A lightning strike may cause bodily injury to the plane’s construction, together with the fuselage, wings, and tail. This injury, whereas usually superficial, can require inspection and restore, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. In uncommon circumstances, extra substantial injury can happen, compromising the plane’s structural integrity.
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Electrical System Disruption
Trendy plane rely closely on refined digital methods for navigation, communication, and flight management. Lightning strikes can disrupt these methods, doubtlessly inflicting malfunctions or short-term outages. Whereas redundant methods are in place, such disruptions can nonetheless create difficult conditions for pilots, particularly throughout takeoff when fast reactions are essential.
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Gas System Vulnerability
Though uncommon, lightning strikes can doubtlessly ignite gasoline vapors, posing a critical fireplace hazard. Plane gasoline methods are designed with security options to mitigate this threat, however the potential for ignition stays a priority, notably throughout refueling or instantly after.
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Sensor Interference
Lightning can intervene with vital sensors, comparable to these used for airspeed, altitude, and angle measurements. This interference can present inaccurate readings to the pilots, additional complicating decision-making processes throughout vital phases of flight like takeoff.
The potential for lightning strikes throughout thunderstorms provides one other layer of complexity to takeoff selections. Whereas plane are designed with security options to mitigate the dangers, the opportunity of injury, system disruptions, and sensor interference necessitates cautious consideration of the prevailing climate circumstances. In the end, the choice to take off throughout a thunderstorm should prioritize security, taking into consideration the probability and potential impression of lightning strikes alongside different weather-related components.
2. Wind Shear
Wind shear, a sudden and drastic change in wind pace and/or route over a brief distance, poses a considerable menace to plane, notably throughout takeoff and touchdown. Thunderstorms steadily generate vital wind shear because of the advanced interaction of updrafts, downdrafts, and gust fronts. This phenomenon can dramatically impression an plane’s elevate and airspeed, creating hazardous flight circumstances.
The impact of wind shear on an plane may be understood by means of the idea of airspeed. A headwind will increase airspeed, offering extra elevate, whereas a tailwind decreases airspeed, decreasing elevate. Speedy shifts between headwinds and tailwinds, attribute of wind shear, can result in vital altitude fluctuations. For instance, an plane encountering a sudden lack of headwind throughout takeoff may expertise a fast lower in elevate, doubtlessly resulting in floor contact or an lack of ability to climb safely. Conversely, an sudden enhance in headwind may trigger the plane to climb too quickly, exceeding secure working parameters.
The 1985 crash of Delta Air Strains Flight 191, attributed to microburst-induced wind shear throughout a thunderstorm, tragically highlights the devastating penalties of this phenomenon. This accident spurred vital developments in wind shear detection and avoidance applied sciences, together with Doppler radar methods and pilot coaching packages. Recognizing the vital position of wind shear in aviation security, these developments underscore the significance of understanding and mitigating its impression on flight operations, particularly throughout thunderstorms. Steady analysis and growth efforts intention to additional refine these applied sciences, enhancing the flexibility to foretell and keep away from wind shear encounters, thereby bettering flight security.
3. Heavy Precipitation
Heavy precipitation, an indicator of thunderstorms, considerably impacts plane takeoff efficiency and security. The first concern arises from the decreased visibility brought on by heavy rain, hail, or snow. This diminished visibility can impair a pilot’s means to take care of correct situational consciousness throughout vital phases of takeoff, together with runway alignment, impediment avoidance, and preliminary climb. Moreover, heavy precipitation can create challenges for floor crews, doubtlessly affecting pre-flight preparations and floor management operations.
The aerodynamic impression of heavy rain additional complicates takeoff procedures. Giant raindrops hanging the plane’s wings disrupt the graceful airflow, decreasing elevate technology and rising drag. This impact, whereas usually manageable in bigger plane, can pose extra vital challenges for smaller plane with decrease power-to-weight ratios. Hail, an excellent better menace, may cause bodily injury to the plane’s construction and engines, additional compromising flight security.
Sensible implications of those results necessitate particular operational concerns throughout heavy precipitation. Pilots should modify takeoff speeds and flap settings to compensate for the decreased elevate and elevated drag. Runway floor circumstances additionally grow to be vital; standing water reduces tire friction, rising takeoff distances and doubtlessly impacting braking effectiveness. In the end, understanding the multifaceted impression of heavy precipitation is crucial for making knowledgeable selections relating to flight security throughout thunderstorms. These selections prioritize the well-being of passengers and crew, contemplating the dynamic interaction between climate circumstances and plane efficiency limitations.
4. Lowered Visibility
Lowered visibility, a frequent consequence of thunderstorms, considerably impacts the protection and feasibility of flight operations, particularly throughout takeoff. Heavy precipitation, fog, and low cloud ceilings related to thunderstorms can drastically restrict a pilot’s means to see the runway, surrounding terrain, and different plane. This diminished situational consciousness creates substantial challenges for sustaining correct plane management, navigating safely, and adhering to established takeoff procedures. The potential for disorientation and misjudgment will increase considerably when visibility is compromised, doubtlessly resulting in vital errors throughout vital phases of flight.
The impression of decreased visibility is additional amplified throughout nighttime operations. Darkness compounds the challenges posed by heavy precipitation and low clouds, severely limiting a pilot’s visible references. Airport lighting methods, whereas designed to assist navigation in low-visibility circumstances, can grow to be much less efficient throughout heavy rain or fog, additional exacerbating the difficulties confronted by pilots throughout takeoff. For example, the 1994 crash of American Eagle Flight 4184, attributed partially to icing and decreased visibility throughout a winter storm, underscores the vital position of visibility in aviation security. This incident highlights the advanced interaction between climate circumstances and operational security, emphasizing the significance of cautious decision-making in periods of decreased visibility.
Understanding the implications of decreased visibility throughout thunderstorms is essential for knowledgeable decision-making relating to flight operations. Established protocols and regulatory tips dictate particular visibility necessities for takeoff. Pilots should adhere to those laws, prioritizing security above operational effectivity. Steady developments in expertise, comparable to enhanced floor radar methods and improved cockpit shows, intention to mitigate the challenges posed by decreased visibility. Nevertheless, the constraints imposed by extreme climate underscore the continued want for cautious evaluation and prudent decision-making in making certain flight security throughout thunderstorms.
5. Turbulence
Turbulence, an inherent attribute of thunderstorm environments, poses vital challenges for plane, notably throughout takeoff. Generated by the advanced interaction of updrafts, downdrafts, and wind shear inside a storm, turbulence can vary from delicate discomfort to extreme structural stress on the plane. Understanding the character and impression of turbulence is vital for assessing the feasibility and security of flight operations throughout thunderstorms.
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Gentle Turbulence
Characterised by slight bumpiness and minor altitude fluctuations, gentle turbulence sometimes doesn’t pose a major security threat throughout takeoff. Passengers might expertise delicate discomfort, however the plane stays nicely inside its operational limits. Whereas gentle turbulence may not forestall takeoff, it serves as an indicator of doubtless extra extreme circumstances throughout the storm.
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Reasonable Turbulence
Reasonable turbulence entails extra pronounced altitude adjustments and airspeed fluctuations. Plane management turns into extra demanding, requiring elevated pilot effort to take care of stability. Whereas usually manageable throughout takeoff, reasonable turbulence can complicate procedures and enhance passenger discomfort. The presence of reasonable turbulence usually signifies rising instability throughout the thunderstorm, doubtlessly resulting in extra extreme circumstances.
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Extreme Turbulence
Extreme turbulence presents a considerable hazard throughout takeoff. Characterised by massive, abrupt altitude adjustments and vital airspeed variations, extreme turbulence may cause short-term lack of management, structural injury, and critical accidents to passengers and crew. Takeoff is mostly prevented in circumstances the place extreme turbulence is anticipated or encountered.
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Excessive Turbulence
Excessive turbulence represents probably the most harmful stage, able to inflicting catastrophic structural failure and lack of management. Luckily, excessive turbulence is comparatively uncommon. Nevertheless, its potential for devastating penalties necessitates absolute avoidance of thunderstorm exercise the place such circumstances may exist. Takeoff within the presence of maximum turbulence is rarely tried.
The assorted ranges of turbulence, from gentle to excessive, symbolize a spectrum of threat for plane throughout takeoff. Whereas gentle and reasonable turbulence may be manageable, extreme and excessive turbulence pose unacceptable security hazards. Subsequently, assessing the potential for turbulence inside a thunderstorm is a vital part of pre-flight decision-making, prioritizing the protection of passengers and crew above operational concerns. The flexibility to precisely predict and detect turbulence stays a vital space of ongoing analysis in aviation meteorology.
6. Downdrafts
Downdrafts, highly effective columns of descending air inside thunderstorms, symbolize a major hazard to plane, notably throughout takeoff. These downdrafts, usually exceeding 6,000 toes per minute, can drive an plane downwards, making a harmful lack of altitude. The depth and unpredictable nature of downdrafts make them a vital consider figuring out the protection of flight operations throughout thunderstorms. Primarily, encountering a downdraft throughout takeoff can result in a fast and sudden descent, doubtlessly leading to floor contact or an unrecoverable lack of airspeed. The impact is especially pronounced through the preliminary climb section when the plane is closest to the bottom and working at decrease speeds.
A very harmful kind of downdraft, generally known as a microburst, presents an excellent better menace. Microbursts are concentrated downdrafts with a small horizontal footprint, sometimes lower than 2.5 miles in diameter. Their intense, localized nature makes them troublesome to detect and keep away from. A microburst can generate headwind losses exceeding 60 knots, drastically decreasing plane elevate. The next encounter with a powerful tailwind because the plane passes by means of the microburst additional exacerbates the lack of elevate and airspeed, doubtlessly resulting in catastrophic penalties. The 1985 Delta Air Strains Flight 191 crash, a tragic instance of the devastating impression of microbursts, underscores the vital significance of understanding and mitigating the dangers related to downdrafts. This accident, which resulted in vital lack of life, prompted main developments in wind shear detection and avoidance applied sciences, together with the event of Doppler radar methods that present extra correct and well timed warnings of microburst exercise.
The presence of downdrafts inside thunderstorms necessitates cautious consideration throughout pre-flight planning and takeoff selections. Pilots depend on climate data, together with radar knowledge and pilot studies, to evaluate the potential for encountering downdrafts. Methods for mitigating downdraft dangers embrace elevated takeoff speeds, adjusted climb profiles, and using wind shear warning methods. Nevertheless, the unpredictable nature of downdrafts and the fast onset of hazardous circumstances require steady vigilance and a powerful emphasis on security. In the end, the choice to take off throughout a thunderstorm hinges on a complete evaluation of varied components, with downdrafts taking part in an important position in prioritizing the protection of passengers and crew.
7. Pilot Judgment
Pilot judgment performs an important position in figuring out whether or not a flight can safely take off throughout a thunderstorm. Whereas established laws and technological aids present steerage, the last word choice rests with the pilot, who should combine accessible data, assess the precise circumstances, and make a sound judgment relating to the protection of takeoff. This choice requires a complete understanding of climate phenomena, plane efficiency limitations, and established security protocols. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of thunderstorms calls for a excessive diploma of situational consciousness and decisive motion from the pilot.
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Threat Evaluation
Pilots should constantly assess the dangers related to thunderstorm exercise, contemplating components like lightning, wind shear, turbulence, and visibility. This evaluation entails analyzing climate studies, radar knowledge, and real-time observations to find out the severity and proximity of the storm. For instance, a pilot may select to delay takeoff if a thunderstorm is approaching the airport, even when present circumstances enable for departure. This proactive method prioritizes security by anticipating doubtlessly hazardous adjustments in climate.
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Regulatory Adherence
Pilots should adhere to established laws and tips relating to flight operations in antagonistic climate. These laws outline particular limitations for takeoff primarily based on components comparable to visibility, ceiling, and wind circumstances. For example, laws might prohibit takeoff if the runway visibility falls under a sure threshold on account of heavy rain. Adherence to those laws supplies a standardized framework for secure operations, making certain a minimal stage of security throughout all flights.
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Plane Efficiency Issues
Pilots should contemplate the precise efficiency traits of their plane when making takeoff selections throughout thunderstorms. Elements like plane weight, engine energy, and wing design affect its means to deal with antagonistic climate circumstances. A closely loaded plane, for instance, requires an extended takeoff roll and may be extra vulnerable to the consequences of wind shear. Pilots should perceive these limitations and modify takeoff procedures accordingly to make sure a secure climb.
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Communication and Coordination
Efficient communication and coordination with air visitors management and floor crews are important for secure takeoff throughout thunderstorms. Pilots should relay vital data relating to climate circumstances and plane standing, making certain that each one events concerned have a shared understanding of the scenario. This coordination facilitates knowledgeable decision-making and permits for well timed changes to takeoff procedures if vital. For instance, air visitors management may present up to date climate data or reroute the plane to keep away from a growing thunderstorm.
These aspects of pilot judgment spotlight the advanced interaction between human decision-making, regulatory tips, and technological aids in making certain secure flight operations throughout thunderstorms. The pilot’s means to synthesize data, assess threat, and make sound judgments stays paramount in mitigating the inherent risks related to thunderstorm exercise. In the end, a cautious and knowledgeable method, prioritizing security above all else, kinds the cornerstone of accountable pilot judgment in these difficult circumstances. This proactive method, mixed with steady coaching and adherence to established procedures, contributes considerably to the general security and effectivity of air journey throughout thunderstorms.
8. Regulatory Pointers
Regulatory tips play a vital position in figuring out whether or not flights can take off throughout thunderstorms. These tips, established by aviation authorities just like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US and the European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA) in Europe, present a framework for secure flight operations in antagonistic climate circumstances. They outline particular limitations and procedures designed to mitigate the dangers related to thunderstorms, making certain a standardized method to flight security throughout the aviation business. Understanding these laws is essential for pilots, air visitors controllers, and different aviation professionals concerned in making takeoff selections throughout thunderstorms.
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Takeoff Minimums
Rules outline particular takeoff minimums primarily based on visibility, ceiling, and wind circumstances. These minimums set up thresholds under which takeoff is prohibited. For instance, laws may stipulate a minimal runway visible vary (RVR) for takeoff throughout heavy rain, making certain that pilots have satisfactory visibility to soundly navigate the runway and preliminary climb. These minimums range relying on the airport and the kind of plane, reflecting the precise operational atmosphere and plane capabilities. Ignoring these takeoff minimums poses vital security dangers and might result in extreme penalties for pilots and airways.
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Wind Shear Limits
Rules handle wind shear, a major hazard throughout thunderstorms, by establishing wind shear limits for takeoff. These limits outline the utmost allowable wind shear circumstances underneath which takeoff may be tried. For instance, laws may prohibit takeoff if low-level wind shear alerts are energetic, indicating the presence of hazardous wind circumstances close to the runway. These limitations are primarily based on in depth analysis and evaluation of wind shear’s impression on plane efficiency, aiming to forestall accidents brought on by sudden adjustments in wind pace and route throughout takeoff.
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Lightning Restrictions
Regulatory tips handle lightning hazards by implementing restrictions on floor operations and takeoff procedures throughout thunderstorms. These restrictions intention to reduce the danger of lightning strikes to plane and floor personnel. For example, laws may prohibit fueling operations throughout lightning exercise because of the elevated threat of fireside. Moreover, tips may suggest delaying takeoff till a specified time after the final noticed lightning strike, decreasing the chance of an plane being struck throughout a weak section of flight. Adhering to those restrictions is essential for making certain the protection of personnel and tools.
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Pilot Coaching Necessities
Regulatory tips mandate particular coaching necessities for pilots relating to flight operations in antagonistic climate, together with thunderstorms. These necessities be certain that pilots possess the mandatory data and expertise to soundly navigate and handle the challenges posed by thunderstorms. Coaching packages sometimes embrace theoretical instruction on thunderstorm growth, traits, and related hazards, in addition to sensible coaching in simulators and plane to develop proficiency in dealing with antagonistic climate circumstances. This complete coaching equips pilots with the mandatory instruments to make knowledgeable selections and execute acceptable procedures throughout thunderstorms, finally enhancing flight security.
These regulatory tips, encompassing takeoff minimums, wind shear limits, lightning restrictions, and pilot coaching necessities, type a complete framework for managing the dangers related to thunderstorms. Adherence to those tips is prime for making certain the protection of flight operations throughout these difficult climate circumstances. These laws, knowledgeable by steady analysis, evaluation of accident knowledge, and developments in meteorological understanding, present an important layer of security in aviation, selling a standardized and rigorous method to mitigating the inherent risks of thunderstorm exercise. By setting clear expectations and offering a framework for secure operations, regulatory tips contribute considerably to minimizing weather-related dangers and sustaining a excessive stage of security throughout the aviation business.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to flight operations throughout thunderstorms, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: Why are thunderstorms thought of hazardous for flights?
Thunderstorms current a number of hazards, together with lightning strikes, wind shear, heavy precipitation, turbulence, and downdrafts. These phenomena can individually and collectively compromise flight security.
Query 2: Are plane geared up to deal with lightning strikes?
Plane are designed to face up to lightning strikes; nevertheless, strikes can nonetheless trigger injury and disrupt vital methods. Precautionary measures are taken to reduce dangers.
Query 3: How does wind shear have an effect on plane throughout takeoff?
Wind shear, a sudden change in wind pace and route, can disrupt airflow over the wings, impacting elevate and doubtlessly resulting in lack of management throughout vital phases of flight.
Query 4: What position does heavy precipitation play in takeoff selections?
Heavy precipitation reduces visibility and will increase drag, impacting plane efficiency and pilot situational consciousness throughout takeoff.
Query 5: Can flights take off in turbulent circumstances?
Gentle to reasonable turbulence may be permissible. Nevertheless, extreme or excessive turbulence necessitates delaying or canceling takeoff on account of security issues.
Query 6: How do regulatory tips impression takeoff selections throughout thunderstorms?
Regulatory tips set up particular standards, together with visibility and wind shear limits, that have to be met for secure takeoff. These tips prioritize passenger and crew security.
Understanding these components and their impression on flight security is crucial for knowledgeable decision-making relating to air journey throughout thunderstorms. Security stays paramount, and selections prioritize the well-being of all concerned.
The next part delves into the precise applied sciences and procedures employed to boost flight security throughout thunderstorms.
Ideas for Air Journey Throughout Thunderstorm Season
Navigating air journey throughout thunderstorm season requires consciousness and proactive planning. The following pointers provide steerage for safer and fewer disruptive journey experiences.
Tip 1: Test Climate Forecasts Usually
Seek the advice of aviation-specific climate forecasts earlier than heading to the airport. Sources just like the Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) and aviation climate web sites present detailed data on thunderstorm exercise, together with forecasts and real-time observations.
Tip 2: Signal Up for Flight Alerts
Airways sometimes provide flight alert providers that present updates on flight standing, together with delays or cancellations on account of climate. Subscribing to those alerts permits for well timed changes to journey plans.
Tip 3: Pack Accordingly
Thunderstorm season usually brings journey disruptions. Packing important gadgets in carry-on baggage mitigates inconvenience if checked baggage is delayed on account of weather-related flight adjustments.
Tip 4: Arrive on the Airport Early
Arriving early supplies a buffer for potential delays brought on by thunderstorm exercise. This further time permits for changes to safety strains, gate adjustments, and different unexpected circumstances.
Tip 5: Perceive Airline Insurance policies
Familiarize your self with airline insurance policies relating to weather-related delays and cancellations. Understanding rebooking procedures and compensation choices facilitates smoother dealing with of disruptions.
Tip 6: Keep Knowledgeable on the Airport
Monitor flight data shows and bulletins for updates on flight standing. Airport personnel can present extra data and help throughout weather-related disruptions.
Tip 7: Think about Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage can present protection for bills incurred on account of weather-related flight cancellations or delays, comparable to lodging and transportation prices.
Tip 8: Train Persistence and Flexibility
Thunderstorms can disrupt journey plans unexpectedly. Sustaining endurance and suppleness helps navigate these challenges extra easily. Cooperation with airline employees and airport personnel contributes to a extra optimistic expertise for everybody.
By implementing these methods, vacationers can mitigate the impression of thunderstorms on their journey plans, enhancing each security and comfort throughout thunderstorm season. Preparation and consciousness are key to navigating the challenges posed by antagonistic climate.
The next part concludes this exploration of flight operations throughout thunderstorms.
Can Flights Take Off in Thunderstorms? A Conclusion
The feasibility and security of flight departures throughout thunderstorms hinges on a fancy interaction of meteorological circumstances, plane capabilities, regulatory tips, and pilot judgment. Thunderstorms current quite a few hazards, together with lightning strikes, wind shear, heavy precipitation, turbulence, and downdrafts. Whereas plane are designed with security options to mitigate a few of these dangers, the dynamic and unpredictable nature of thunderstorms necessitates cautious evaluation and adherence to established protocols. Regulatory tips present a framework for secure operations, defining limitations primarily based on visibility, wind circumstances, and different vital components. Pilot judgment stays paramount, integrating accessible data and making real-time selections that prioritize security above all else. Technological developments, comparable to Doppler radar and wind shear alert methods, improve situational consciousness and support in threat mitigation. Nevertheless, the inherent unpredictability of thunderstorms underscores the continued want for warning and vigilance.
Continued analysis and growth efforts concentrate on bettering climate forecasting accuracy, refining plane design to raised face up to antagonistic circumstances, and growing extra refined detection and avoidance applied sciences. These developments promise to additional improve flight security throughout thunderstorms. Nevertheless, a complete understanding of the dangers, adherence to regulatory tips, and the train of sound judgment by all stakeholders stay important for mitigating the inherent risks of thunderstorm exercise and making certain the protection of air journey. In the end, a tradition of security, prioritizing the well-being of passengers and crew, should underpin all selections relating to flight operations within the face of those highly effective climate phenomena.
