Aviation Weather Theory

Aviation Weather Theory

According to FAA statistics, weather is the cause of approximately 70% of the delays in the National Airspace System. The type of weather causing air traffic delay differs over the course of a year, and is also dependent on the geological area of the country. From thunderstorms and snowstorms, to wind and fog, as well as temperature and pressure extremes, every phase of flight has the potential to be impacted by weather. Commercial aviation in the U.S, with more than 16,000 daily flights, must deal with these adverse types of weather regularly. I understand that the two major impacts of weather are safety and efficiency of operation, and that also to enhance safety while attempting to maintain flight schedule integrity, airlines and pilots are highly dependent upon accurate weather information. Because I now obtain this knowledge it is a little less stressful attempting to travel in the midst of severe weather, while having to deal with the frustration of the aviation employees and the other passengers experiencing flight delays. In one instance, while flying in the winter season, I experienced a flight delay due to ice on the aircraft, which caused the flight to take-off and leave the airport later than scheduled. I now understand, that aircrafts may be to be deiced prior to departure, sometimes having to be coated with a fluid the night before to prevent snow or ice build-up. Sometimes even runways must be plowed or treated. This can delay the take-off time of a flight, and I’m totally okay with that now. In aviation, safety is the only thing that matters.