Travel Tips
Summer storm delays
By Sera Madrigrano
F
requent fliers know that bad weather is responsible for the overwhelming majority of flight delays and cancellations. While winter blizzards may make headlines for shutting down airports, it’s actually
summer storms that cause the majority of weather-related delays.
Why are summer storms worse than winter ones?
Summer storms can develop quickly, stretch for hundreds of miles and rise up 60,000 feet or more travelling quickly over large portions of the earth. Tey are often frequent and intense, and can bring flight operations to a standstill if se- vere enough.
Once flights start getting delayed, it causes a domino ef-
fect of even more delayed flights across several airports. As a traveller you should be aware that if flights are delayed in the morning due to weather, afternoon and evening flights may also be affected, even if the storm subsides. One of the largest problems with summer storms, espe-
cially thunderstorms, is the danger for ground crews working in and around the airplanes. Combine standing water, metal aircraft and lightning, and you have some serious safety con- cerns. Clearing the tarmac of employees in order to ensure their well-being is one reason why flights can be delayed.
64 • Summer 2016
Why do pilots avoid thunderstorms?
Pilots are trained to avoid thunderstorms if they are able and will make the decision whether or not to take-off when a storm is brewing or passing through. Storms are avoided for many reasons. Commercial flights generally avoid flying near storms and operate within a recommended distance from active weather around them. Pilots and air traffic con- trol centres communicate with each other regarding turbu- lence and bad weather so that flight routes can be altered for the comfort of passengers. Sometimes these detours can delay flight arrival and
departure times, but delays are much better than flying through uncomfortable storm-related turbulence. If turbu- lence is unavoidable, the flight crew will warn passengers. No one enjoys a bumpy ride, but contrary to the belief of fearful fliers, turbulence is no more dangerous than driving down a bumpy road. It is uncomfortable but will not dam- age the aircraft, and passengers and crew are safe as long as they remain seated with their seatbelts on. While poor weather conditions can often be avoided dur- ing flight, unfortunately, it is not so easily avoided when landing or taking off. If the conditions are unsuitable, pilots will not attempt either, and flights will be diverted or de-
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