Typhoons, also known as tropical cyclones, skirt through the city between May and October every year. This can mean trouble for travellers and the aviation industry, as typhoons tend to bring flight delays and cancellations.
For pilots, dealing with bad weather is part of the job – but still, flying through the elements can be dangerous, as Colin Law, a professor in airline business management at Stamford International University, explains.
Even though aircraft are built to withstand heavy rain and strong winds, and pilots are trained to navigate through these conditions, flying through a storm can be a safety hazard.
“That’s because planes take off and land into the headwind [wind that blows directly towards the plane], and the direction of the wind gives the plane additional lift, helping it to rise and take off more quickly,” says Law.
According to Law, a large commercial aircraft generally needs to reach a ground speed of 156 knots (289 kilometres per hour) to lift off the ground, but when there is a 43 knot headwind, the plane only has to reach 113 knots, thanks to the extra boost it gets from the headwind. Similarly, landing in the wind allows pilots to land more swiftly.
On the other hand, when there is a crosswind (wind blowing at an angle to the direction of a vehicle) and tailwind (wind blowing from behind a vehicle) blowing over the runway during a typhoon, planes may have problems landing and taking off because they can only withstand a certain amount of wind.
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Let the storm rage on
Let’s take the example of the Boeing 737-800, which can withstand maximum crosswind speeds of around 33 knots on a dry runway, and around 27 knots on a wet runway. If the speed of the crosswind exceeds the plane’s limit, it will be barred from flying.
Law also explains why planes are still allowed to take off and land even when the Hong Kong Observatory issues a No. 8 gale or storm signal, but flights are cancelled when the No. 3 strong wind signal is in force.
“This depends on the wind direction. If the winds are blowing in the same direction as the runway, even when the No. 8 signal is issued, they won’t affect aircraft operations much. But when the strong wind signal is in force, it is very likely that crosswinds will exceed the aircraft’s operating limit.”
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When lightning strikes
Unlike strong winds, lightning doesn’t really pose a problem for pilots, as planes have in-built protection against electricity and can fly unscathed through thunderstorms.
“Interestingly, planes get hit by lightning very often, and are most likely to be struck during the climb and descent phases of a flight because lightening occurs more frequently between 1.5 and 4.5 kilometres above ground,” says Law.
He adds that a standard commercial plane is designed to take lightning strikes, and it’s wired in such a way that lightning usually strikes the sharp edge of a plane, such as the tip of the wing or nose. The electric current then travels though the plane’s exterior frame and exits through its tail, allowing it to fly though the lightning flash.
They may still be some minor side effects, however, such as temporary flickering of lights in the co*ckpit or temporary interference with the plane’s electronic flight instrument system. For this reason, the aircraft needs to be inspected after it has been hit by lightning as a safety precaution.
Safe and sound
Law says that airlines and air traffic control operations around the world adhere to strict flying regulations, and there’s really nothing to worry about when it comes to planes taking off in extreme weather. “You can rest assured that your pilot’s got it all covered.”
Edited by Charlotte Ames-Ettridge
FAQs
Unlike strong winds, lightning doesn't really pose a problem for pilots, as planes have in-built protection against electricity and can fly unscathed through thunderstorms.
How do planes fly through thunderstorms? ›
Modern commercial aircraft are equipped with advanced weather radar systems that help pilots and air traffic controllers navigate around severe weather, including thunderstorms. These systems help to ensure the safety of your flight and minimize the amount of time spent flying through adverse weather conditions.
How do airplanes fly in bad weather? ›
Flight planning is critical in bad weather. Pilots must choose an appropriate altitude that minimizes turbulence and ensures a safe journey. Higher altitudes may offer smoother rides in some cases, while lower altitudes can help avoid severe weather systems.
What is it like to fly during a storm? ›
Flying these planes can feel like being on a rollercoaster going through a car wash. Some updrafts are so aggressive planes have been known to shoot up by 1,500ft in a few seconds, so you go from being pinned to your seat to suddenly feeling weightlessness. Every hurricane is unique.
What to do if you fly into a thunderstorm? ›
If you do find yourself in a thunderstorm, follow best practices to get through the situation. Slow down to maneuvering speeds and avoid turning around. Disengage auto pilot and maintain attitude control. Consult flight following services for course guidance.
Can a thunderstorm hit a plane? ›
In fact, the National Weather Service said passenger planes are struck by lightning an average of once or twice every year.
How does air move in a thunderstorm? ›
The motion of a thunderstorm across the land is determined primarily by the interactions of its updrafts and downdrafts with steering winds in the middle layers of the atmosphere in which the storm develops. The speed of isolated storms is typically about 20 km (12 miles) per hour, but some storms move much faster.
Can planes fly in heavy rain? ›
Airplanes are more than capable of flying in the rain. In fact, they're designed to fly in the rain and in conditions that are even more severe than a few raindrops. Remember that most planes only have to fly in rain for a short period if there's weather in the area - usually during takeoffs and landings.
Can planes fly in freezing weather? ›
Remember, while planes are designed to handle cold weather and snowy conditions, de-icing can add extra minutes or even hours to the pre-flight process. But these moments are investments in safety.
What weather will cancel a flight? ›
What Type of Weather Delays a Flight? Weather that delays and cancels flights is called inclement weather. Inclement weather is categorized as thunderstorms, snowstorms, wind shear, icing, and fog.
Even pilots of large commercial aircraft, built to withstand considerable stress, avoid flying into thunderstorms due to these risks. The violent updrafts and downdrafts within a storm can toss an aircraft around, making it challenging to control.
Are planes OK in storms? ›
What happens when en route flights encounter thunderstorms? Jet aircraft can safely fly over thunderstorms only if their flight altitude is well above the turbulent cloud tops. The most intense and turbulent storms are often the tallest storms, so en route flights always seek to go around them.
What weather is unsafe to fly in? ›
A crosswind above about 40mph and a tailwind above 10mph can start to cause problems and stop commercial jets from taking off and landing. What weather conditions are the most dangerous when flying a plane? Mature thunderstorms! Don't enter clouds where thunderstorms may be.
Do flights take off during thunderstorms? ›
Can a plane take off in a thunderstorm? Technically, it is possible, but pilots and air traffic experts prefer to keep planes on the ground when a storm is present and wait for it to calm down before setting off. Also read: Is It Safe to Fly With an Ear Infection?
What is the main danger of flying above a thunderstorm? ›
Hail is much larger in the thunderstorm cloud than the ground, which can produce a major hazard to aircraft. Turbulence can occur above a developing thunderstorm, or in the vicinity of a thunderstorm due to the rapid velocity of the updraft. Oftentimes, severe to extreme turbulence is reported near thunderstorms.
Is it safe to fly in rain and lightning? ›
Yes, you can fly in the rain, strong wind, hot temperatures, and even thunderstorms or snow. Nevertheless, the risks of reduced visibility, hydroplaning, and engine failure can be quite high in extremely adverse conditions.
Will planes still fly in thunderstorms? ›
What happens when en route flights encounter thunderstorms? Jet aircraft can safely fly over thunderstorms only if their flight altitude is well above the turbulent cloud tops. The most intense and turbulent storms are often the tallest storms, so en route flights always seek to go around them.
Has a thunderstorm ever brought down a plane? ›
CDT on August 2, 1985. The National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) Accident Board determined that the cause of the incident was wind-shear associated with an intense thunderstorm downdraft that occurred at the north end of the airport along runway 17 Left (17L).
What kind of weather cancels flights? ›
When severe thunderstorms reach high altitudes, planes cannot fly above them and must change routes to go around the storms. Other weather events that can affect air travel include wind, ice, fog and snow.
What do planes use to avoid thunderstorms? ›
Every commercial passenger carrying aircraft is fitted with airborne radar to detect thunderstorms and because this radar can locate thunderstorms as far away as 120 miles this gives a pilot plenty of time to take avoiding action.
