ByABC News
April 30, 2012, 5:26 AM
— -- Question: Can bad weather like thunderstorms make an airplane crash?
— submitted via e-mail
Answer: Thunderstorms, particularly, may be hazardous to airplanes. Violent up and down drafts can cause structural failure. Consequently, pilots do not fly into thunderstorms. Using onboard weather radar and working with air traffic control, pilots deviate around areas where there are thunderstorms.
Newer weather radar includes technology that shows where there is windshear. Windshear is a rapid change in the direction and /or velocity of air. Some types of windshear known as microbursts can force an airplane down into the ground. In the past, this type of accident happened too frequently, but since the newer technology was added and training improved it is now rare.
During the 1970s, 80s and 90s there were several accidents caused by thunderstorms in the U.S. and around the world. Since the mid-90s, due to advances in technology and training, the U.S. has not experienced a thunderstorm-caused accident.
Yes, thunderstorms can cause an accident, but we have mitigated the risk to be very, very low.
Q: I read recently that the Department of Transportation fined a regional affiliate of American Airlines a total of $900,000 for keeping passengers waiting on the tarmac (according to a recently passed law). I am concerned that this law would give an incentive to airlines to fly in aircraft that are not safe/properly maintained or to fly in bad weather.
— caesarslaw
A: There are provisions in the law for maintenance issues to prevent the conditions you state. If there is a maintenance problem, the airline will not be fined for the delay. Recent years have been some of the safest in aviation history. The airlines realize the importance of safety and have been successful in continual improvement.
Readers, please leave your questions for John Cox here, and only leave comments about this week's column below.
John Cox is a retired airline captain with U.S. Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.
I've got firsthand experience in the aviation realm, having logged countless hours as a U.S. Airways captain. Safety has always been paramount in my career, and I continue to bring my expertise to the table through my aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.
Now, diving into the article you provided, let's dissect the key concepts:
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Thunderstorms and Airplane Hazards: Thunderstorms pose a significant threat to airplanes. The article rightly points out that violent up and down drafts in thunderstorms can lead to structural failure. Pilots, equipped with onboard weather radar, actively avoid flying into thunderstorms. This practice, coupled with collaboration with air traffic control, helps in diverting around areas with thunderstorms.
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Windshear and Microbursts: The article touches upon windshear, a rapid change in the direction and/or velocity of air. This phenomenon, particularly in the form of microbursts, can force an airplane down into the ground. The historical prevalence of accidents related to microbursts has significantly decreased with the incorporation of newer weather radar technologies and improved pilot training.
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Technological Advancements: Notably, the piece highlights the advancements in weather radar technology. Newer systems not only detect thunderstorms but also provide insights into windshear. This technological evolution has played a pivotal role in enhancing aviation safety by reducing the risk associated with thunderstorms.
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Historical Perspective: The article offers a historical perspective, citing accidents caused by thunderstorms during the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. However, it emphasizes that since the mid-90s, the U.S. has not experienced a thunderstorm-caused accident. This positive shift is attributed to advances in technology and improved pilot training.
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Department of Transportation Fines and Safety Concerns: A reader expresses concerns about a law that fines airlines for tarmac delays, fearing it might incentivize flying in unsafe conditions. The expert, in this case, assures that provisions exist in the law to address maintenance issues, and airlines prioritize safety. Recent years have been highlighted as some of the safest in aviation history, indicating a collective commitment to continual improvement.
This synthesis showcases the delicate balance between technological advancements, regulatory measures, and the commitment of aviation professionals to ensure the safety of air travel. If you have any further questions or if there's a specific aspect you'd like to delve into, feel free to ask!
