Many times, reckless behaviors by pilots lead to preventable aircraft accidents. These include carelessly running out of fuel, neglecting pre-flight checks, and flying in aviation weather beyond their experience level.
Nothing is as frustrating as watching a pilot take off into dangerous weather that could have been avoided with a short delay on the ground.
Considering how one or two delays could save lives due to bad weather is crucial. While taking an aviation weather course is a critical requirement, some accidents only require a little patience for the weather to get better before an aircraft takes off.
To eliminate or reduce risks associated with dangerous aviation weather, pilots can do a plethora of things:
Pre-Take Off
- Checking the latest weather reports, such as charts and radar information, is priceless. It will enable the pilot to identify potential hazards along the planned flight route.
- Pilots should be prepared to delay or cancel a flight in dangerous weather conditions. There is no sense in loading passengers in the plain if the weather does not guarantee safe.
- Identifying safe diversions routes, including airports or areas of clear weather, and ensuring they are included in the flight plan help prevent accidents.
During Flight
- Using satellite images, weather radar systems, and other tools to identify and stay clear of hazardous weather systems is crucial. It helps pilots remain true to what they learn on the aviation weather course.
- Maintaining a safe altitude whenever possible is essential to avoid turbulence or severe weather cells.
- Monitoring weather conditions throughout the flight and being prepared to make changes on-the-fly to ensure safety is incredible.
- Pilots are required to follow all air traffic control instructions to avoid weather hazards.
Signs of Severe Conditions
- Hail: The signs include visible damage to the aircraft’s exterior, a change in engine noise, and loud banging noises. React immediately using all available tools to find a route out of the hailstorm and land as soon as possible.
- Icing: Symptoms include ice buildup, difficulties controlling the airplane, loss of altitude, and decreased airspeed. React by following the aircraft’s de-icing procedures or finding a way to avoid the icing conditions. The aviation weather course provides an excellent approach to how to de-ice.
- Turbulence: Signs are the sudden up-and-down movement of the aircraft or a feeling of being lifted out of the seat. React by following the aircraft’s turbulence guidelines or deviating to a smoother altitude or route.
Conclusion
Pilots must attend mandatory aviation weather courses, allowing them to exercise vigilance, knowledge, and intelligence when facing hazardous weather situations. Taking the proper steps to ensure a safe flight is critical to protecting passengers and aircraft from harm.
Examining surrounding conditions and precisely interpreting data can determine how best to maneuver through dangerous weather.
Furthermore, understanding the fundamentals of these potential conflicts allows for route planning, speed adjustments, and other decisions tailored toward safety.
With sudden changes in climatic conditions, there’s no set procedure for handling each situation; instead, pilots must maintain situational awareness as they manage challenging moments during their flights.
Finally, making sure to fly cautiously is imperative in or near dangerous aviation weather areas.
