The potential for plane departures throughout thunderstorm situations is a posh difficulty involving a number of security and operational components. Extreme climate, together with lightning strikes, heavy precipitation, wind shear, and turbulence, poses important dangers to aviation. As an illustration, a sudden downdraft can drastically alter an plane’s altitude throughout crucial phases of flight, corresponding to takeoff. Moreover, diminished visibility on account of heavy rain or hail can additional complicate secure operation.
Understanding the affect of thunderstorms on flight operations is important for guaranteeing passenger security and sustaining environment friendly air journey. Traditionally, limitations in climate forecasting and plane know-how restricted operations throughout such situations. Nevertheless, developments in meteorological radar, climate modeling, and plane design have progressively enhanced the flexibility to evaluate and mitigate a few of these dangers. This understanding underpins the event of sturdy security protocols and rules governing flight operations in antagonistic climate.
This exploration delves into the precise risks related to thunderstorms, the technological and procedural safeguards employed to handle these dangers, and the continuing analysis aimed toward additional bettering aviation security throughout inclement climate. Inspecting these elements gives a clearer image of the complicated interaction between climate and aviation.
1. Lightning Strikes
Lightning strikes pose a major danger to plane, notably throughout takeoff and touchdown. Whereas plane are designed to resist lightning strikes, they will nonetheless trigger injury and disrupt crucial techniques, elevating security considerations throughout these weak phases of flight. Understanding the character of those dangers is paramount for knowledgeable decision-making relating to flight operations throughout thunderstorms.
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Bodily Harm
A lightning strike may cause bodily injury to the plane’s construction, together with the fuselage, wings, and tail. This injury, whereas typically superficial, can require inspection and restore, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. In uncommon circumstances, extra substantial injury can happen, compromising the plane’s structural integrity.
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Electrical System Disruption
Fashionable plane rely closely on refined digital techniques for navigation, communication, and flight management. Lightning strikes can disrupt these techniques, doubtlessly inflicting malfunctions or short-term outages. Whereas redundant techniques are in place, such disruptions can nonetheless create difficult conditions for pilots, particularly throughout takeoff when fast reactions are essential.
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Gasoline System Vulnerability
Though uncommon, lightning strikes can doubtlessly ignite gas vapors, posing a critical fireplace hazard. Plane gas techniques are designed with security options to mitigate this danger, however the potential for ignition stays a priority, notably throughout refueling or instantly after.
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Sensor Interference
Lightning can intervene with crucial sensors, corresponding to these used for airspeed, altitude, and angle measurements. This interference can present inaccurate readings to the pilots, additional complicating decision-making processes throughout crucial phases of flight like takeoff.
The potential for lightning strikes throughout thunderstorms provides one other layer of complexity to takeoff selections. Whereas plane are designed with security options to mitigate the dangers, the potential for injury, system disruptions, and sensor interference necessitates cautious consideration of the prevailing climate situations. Finally, the choice to take off throughout a thunderstorm should prioritize security, taking into consideration the probability and potential affect of lightning strikes alongside different weather-related components.
2. Wind Shear
Wind shear, a sudden and drastic change in wind pace and/or course over a brief distance, poses a considerable menace to plane, notably throughout takeoff and touchdown. Thunderstorms often generate important wind shear because of the complicated interaction of updrafts, downdrafts, and gust fronts. This phenomenon can dramatically affect an plane’s elevate and airspeed, creating hazardous flight situations.
The impact of wind shear on an plane might be understood by the idea of airspeed. A headwind will increase airspeed, offering further elevate, whereas a tailwind decreases airspeed, lowering elevate. Speedy shifts between headwinds and tailwinds, attribute of wind shear, can result in important altitude fluctuations. For instance, an plane encountering a sudden lack of headwind throughout takeoff would possibly expertise a speedy lower in elevate, doubtlessly resulting in floor contact or an lack of ability to climb safely. Conversely, an sudden improve in headwind might trigger the plane to climb too quickly, exceeding secure working parameters.
The 1985 crash of Delta Air Strains Flight 191, attributed to microburst-induced wind shear throughout a thunderstorm, tragically highlights the devastating penalties of this phenomenon. This accident spurred important developments in wind shear detection and avoidance applied sciences, together with Doppler radar techniques and pilot coaching packages. Recognizing the crucial function of wind shear in aviation security, these developments underscore the significance of understanding and mitigating its affect on flight operations, particularly throughout thunderstorms. Steady analysis and improvement efforts purpose to additional refine these applied sciences, enhancing the flexibility to foretell and keep away from wind shear encounters, thereby bettering flight security.
3. Heavy Precipitation
Heavy precipitation, an indicator of thunderstorms, considerably impacts plane takeoff efficiency and security. The first concern arises from the diminished visibility attributable to heavy rain, hail, or snow. This diminished visibility can impair a pilot’s skill to keep up correct situational consciousness throughout crucial phases of takeoff, together with runway alignment, impediment avoidance, and preliminary climb. Moreover, heavy precipitation can create challenges for floor crews, doubtlessly affecting pre-flight preparations and floor management operations.
The aerodynamic affect of heavy rain additional complicates takeoff procedures. Giant raindrops placing the plane’s wings disrupt the sleek airflow, lowering elevate technology and rising drag. This impact, whereas typically manageable in bigger plane, can pose extra important challenges for smaller plane with decrease power-to-weight ratios. Hail, an excellent better menace, may cause bodily injury to the plane’s construction and engines, additional compromising flight security.
Sensible implications of those results necessitate particular operational concerns throughout heavy precipitation. Pilots should alter takeoff speeds and flap settings to compensate for the diminished elevate and elevated drag. Runway floor situations additionally turn into crucial; standing water reduces tire friction, rising takeoff distances and doubtlessly impacting braking effectiveness. Finally, understanding the multifaceted affect of heavy precipitation is important for making knowledgeable selections relating to flight security throughout thunderstorms. These selections prioritize the well-being of passengers and crew, contemplating the dynamic interaction between climate situations and plane efficiency limitations.
4. Decreased Visibility
Decreased visibility, a frequent consequence of thunderstorms, considerably impacts the security and feasibility of flight operations, particularly throughout takeoff. Heavy precipitation, fog, and low cloud ceilings related to thunderstorms can drastically restrict a pilot’s skill to see the runway, surrounding terrain, and different plane. This diminished situational consciousness creates substantial challenges for sustaining correct plane management, navigating safely, and adhering to established takeoff procedures. The potential for disorientation and misjudgment will increase considerably when visibility is compromised, doubtlessly resulting in crucial errors throughout crucial phases of flight.
The affect of diminished visibility is additional amplified throughout nighttime operations. Darkness compounds the challenges posed by heavy precipitation and low clouds, severely limiting a pilot’s visible references. Airport lighting techniques, whereas designed to assist navigation in low-visibility situations, can turn into much less efficient throughout heavy rain or fog, additional exacerbating the difficulties confronted by pilots throughout takeoff. As an illustration, the 1994 crash of American Eagle Flight 4184, attributed partially to icing and diminished visibility throughout a winter storm, underscores the crucial function of visibility in aviation security. This incident highlights the complicated interaction between climate situations and operational security, emphasizing the significance of cautious decision-making during times of diminished visibility.
Understanding the implications of diminished visibility throughout thunderstorms is essential for knowledgeable decision-making relating to flight operations. Established protocols and regulatory pointers dictate particular visibility necessities for takeoff. Pilots should adhere to those rules, prioritizing security above operational effectivity. Steady developments in know-how, corresponding to enhanced floor radar techniques and improved cockpit shows, purpose to mitigate the challenges posed by diminished visibility. Nevertheless, the constraints imposed by extreme climate underscore the continuing want for cautious evaluation and prudent decision-making in guaranteeing flight security throughout thunderstorms.
5. Turbulence
Turbulence, an inherent attribute of thunderstorm environments, poses important challenges for plane, notably throughout takeoff. Generated by the complicated interaction of updrafts, downdrafts, and wind shear inside a storm, turbulence can vary from gentle discomfort to extreme structural stress on the plane. Understanding the character and affect of turbulence is crucial for assessing the feasibility and security of flight operations throughout thunderstorms.
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Mild Turbulence
Characterised by slight bumpiness and minor altitude fluctuations, mild turbulence usually doesn’t pose a major security danger throughout takeoff. Passengers might expertise gentle discomfort, however the plane stays effectively inside its operational limits. Whereas mild turbulence won’t forestall takeoff, it serves as an indicator of doubtless extra extreme situations inside the storm.
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Average Turbulence
Average turbulence entails extra pronounced altitude modifications and airspeed fluctuations. Plane management turns into extra demanding, requiring elevated pilot effort to keep up stability. Whereas typically manageable throughout takeoff, reasonable turbulence can complicate procedures and improve passenger discomfort. The presence of reasonable turbulence typically signifies rising instability inside the thunderstorm, doubtlessly resulting in extra extreme situations.
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Extreme Turbulence
Extreme turbulence presents a considerable hazard throughout takeoff. Characterised by giant, abrupt altitude modifications and important airspeed variations, extreme turbulence may cause short-term lack of management, structural injury, and critical accidents to passengers and crew. Takeoff is usually prevented in situations the place extreme turbulence is anticipated or encountered.
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Excessive Turbulence
Excessive turbulence represents probably the most harmful degree, able to inflicting catastrophic structural failure and lack of management. Fortuitously, excessive turbulence is comparatively uncommon. Nevertheless, its potential for devastating penalties necessitates absolute avoidance of thunderstorm exercise the place such situations would possibly exist. Takeoff within the presence of maximum turbulence isn’t tried.
The assorted ranges of turbulence, from mild to excessive, signify a spectrum of danger for plane throughout takeoff. Whereas mild and reasonable turbulence is perhaps manageable, extreme and excessive turbulence pose unacceptable security hazards. Subsequently, assessing the potential for turbulence inside a thunderstorm is an important element of pre-flight decision-making, prioritizing the security of passengers and crew above operational concerns. The power to precisely predict and detect turbulence stays a crucial space of ongoing analysis in aviation meteorology.
6. Downdrafts
Downdrafts, highly effective columns of descending air inside thunderstorms, signify a major hazard to plane, notably throughout takeoff. These downdrafts, typically exceeding 6,000 toes per minute, can power an plane downwards, making a harmful lack of altitude. The depth and unpredictable nature of downdrafts make them a crucial consider figuring out the security of flight operations throughout thunderstorms. Basically, encountering a downdraft throughout takeoff can result in a speedy and sudden descent, doubtlessly leading to floor contact or an unrecoverable lack of airspeed. The impact is especially pronounced in the course of the preliminary climb section when the plane is closest to the bottom and working at decrease speeds.
A very harmful sort of downdraft, often called a microburst, presents an excellent better menace. Microbursts are concentrated downdrafts with a small horizontal footprint, usually lower than 2.5 miles in diameter. Their intense, localized nature makes them troublesome to detect and keep away from. A microburst can generate headwind losses exceeding 60 knots, drastically lowering plane elevate. The following encounter with a powerful tailwind because the plane passes by the microburst additional exacerbates the lack of elevate and airspeed, doubtlessly resulting in catastrophic penalties. The 1985 Delta Air Strains Flight 191 crash, a tragic instance of the devastating affect of microbursts, underscores the crucial significance of understanding and mitigating the dangers related to downdrafts. This accident, which resulted in important lack of life, prompted main developments in wind shear detection and avoidance applied sciences, together with the event of Doppler radar techniques that present extra correct and well timed warnings of microburst exercise.
The presence of downdrafts inside thunderstorms necessitates cautious consideration throughout pre-flight planning and takeoff selections. Pilots depend on climate info, together with radar knowledge and pilot studies, to evaluate the potential for encountering downdrafts. Methods for mitigating downdraft dangers embody elevated takeoff speeds, adjusted climb profiles, and the usage of wind shear warning techniques. Nevertheless, the unpredictable nature of downdrafts and the speedy onset of hazardous situations require steady vigilance and a powerful emphasis on security. Finally, the choice to take off throughout a thunderstorm hinges on a complete evaluation of assorted components, with downdrafts taking part in an important function in prioritizing the security of passengers and crew.
7. Pilot Judgment
Pilot judgment performs an important function in figuring out whether or not a flight can safely take off throughout a thunderstorm. Whereas established rules and technological aids present steerage, the last word choice rests with the pilot, who should combine accessible info, assess the precise circumstances, and make a sound judgment relating to the security of takeoff. This choice requires a complete understanding of climate phenomena, plane efficiency limitations, and established security protocols. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of thunderstorms calls for a excessive diploma of situational consciousness and decisive motion from the pilot.
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Threat Evaluation
Pilots should constantly assess the dangers related to thunderstorm exercise, contemplating components like lightning, wind shear, turbulence, and visibility. This evaluation entails analyzing climate studies, radar knowledge, and real-time observations to find out the severity and proximity of the storm. For instance, a pilot would possibly select to delay takeoff if a thunderstorm is approaching the airport, even when present situations enable for departure. This proactive method prioritizes security by anticipating doubtlessly hazardous modifications in climate.
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Regulatory Adherence
Pilots should adhere to established rules and pointers relating to flight operations in antagonistic climate. These rules outline particular limitations for takeoff primarily based on components corresponding to visibility, ceiling, and wind situations. As an illustration, rules might prohibit takeoff if the runway visibility falls under a sure threshold on account of heavy rain. Adherence to those rules gives a standardized framework for secure operations, guaranteeing a minimal degree of security throughout all flights.
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Plane Efficiency Concerns
Pilots should contemplate the precise efficiency traits of their plane when making takeoff selections throughout thunderstorms. Components like plane weight, engine energy, and wing design affect its skill to deal with antagonistic climate situations. A closely loaded plane, for instance, requires an extended takeoff roll and is perhaps extra prone to the results of wind shear. Pilots should perceive these limitations and alter takeoff procedures accordingly to make sure a secure climb.
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Communication and Coordination
Efficient communication and coordination with air visitors management and floor crews are important for secure takeoff throughout thunderstorms. Pilots should relay crucial info relating to climate situations and plane standing, guaranteeing that each one events concerned have a shared understanding of the state of affairs. This coordination facilitates knowledgeable decision-making and permits for well timed changes to takeoff procedures if crucial. For instance, air visitors management would possibly present up to date climate info or reroute the plane to keep away from a creating thunderstorm.
These sides of pilot judgment spotlight the complicated interaction between human decision-making, regulatory pointers, and technological aids in guaranteeing secure flight operations throughout thunderstorms. The pilot’s skill to synthesize info, assess danger, and make sound judgments stays paramount in mitigating the inherent risks related to thunderstorm exercise. Finally, a cautious and knowledgeable method, prioritizing security above all else, types the cornerstone of accountable pilot judgment in these difficult situations. This proactive method, mixed with steady coaching and adherence to established procedures, contributes considerably to the general security and effectivity of air journey throughout thunderstorms.
8. Regulatory Tips
Regulatory pointers play a crucial function in figuring out whether or not flights can take off throughout thunderstorms. These pointers, established by aviation authorities just like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in america and the European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA) in Europe, present a framework for secure flight operations in antagonistic climate situations. They outline particular limitations and procedures designed to mitigate the dangers related to thunderstorms, guaranteeing a standardized method to flight security throughout the aviation trade. Understanding these rules is essential for pilots, air visitors controllers, and different aviation professionals concerned in making takeoff selections throughout thunderstorms.
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Takeoff Minimums
Rules outline particular takeoff minimums primarily based on visibility, ceiling, and wind situations. These minimums set up thresholds under which takeoff is prohibited. For instance, rules would possibly stipulate a minimal runway visible vary (RVR) for takeoff throughout heavy rain, guaranteeing that pilots have enough visibility to soundly navigate the runway and preliminary climb. These minimums range relying on the airport and the kind of plane, reflecting the precise operational setting and plane capabilities. Ignoring these takeoff minimums poses important security dangers and might result in extreme penalties for pilots and airways.
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Wind Shear Limits
Rules deal with wind shear, a major hazard throughout thunderstorms, by establishing wind shear limits for takeoff. These limits outline the utmost allowable wind shear situations underneath which takeoff might be tried. For instance, rules would possibly prohibit takeoff if low-level wind shear alerts are lively, indicating the presence of hazardous wind situations close to the runway. These limitations are primarily based on in depth analysis and evaluation of wind shear’s affect on plane efficiency, aiming to stop accidents attributable to sudden modifications in wind pace and course throughout takeoff.
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Lightning Restrictions
Regulatory pointers deal with lightning hazards by implementing restrictions on floor operations and takeoff procedures throughout thunderstorms. These restrictions purpose to reduce the chance of lightning strikes to plane and floor personnel. As an illustration, rules would possibly prohibit fueling operations throughout lightning exercise because of the elevated danger of fireplace. Moreover, pointers would possibly advocate delaying takeoff till a specified time after the final noticed lightning strike, lowering the chance of an plane being struck throughout a weak section of flight. Adhering to those restrictions is essential for guaranteeing the security of personnel and gear.
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Pilot Coaching Necessities
Regulatory pointers mandate particular coaching necessities for pilots relating to flight operations in antagonistic climate, together with thunderstorms. These necessities make sure that pilots possess the mandatory information and abilities to soundly navigate and handle the challenges posed by thunderstorms. Coaching packages usually embody theoretical instruction on thunderstorm improvement, traits, and related hazards, in addition to sensible coaching in simulators and plane to develop proficiency in dealing with antagonistic climate situations. This complete coaching equips pilots with the mandatory instruments to make knowledgeable selections and execute applicable procedures throughout thunderstorms, in the end enhancing flight security.
These regulatory pointers, encompassing takeoff minimums, wind shear limits, lightning restrictions, and pilot coaching necessities, type a complete framework for managing the dangers related to thunderstorms. Adherence to those pointers is prime for guaranteeing the security of flight operations throughout these difficult climate situations. These rules, knowledgeable by steady analysis, evaluation of accident knowledge, and developments in meteorological understanding, present an important layer of security in aviation, selling a standardized and rigorous method to mitigating the inherent risks of thunderstorm exercise. By setting clear expectations and offering a framework for secure operations, regulatory pointers contribute considerably to minimizing weather-related dangers and sustaining a excessive degree of security inside the aviation trade.
Steadily Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to flight operations throughout thunderstorms, offering concise and informative responses.
Query 1: Why are thunderstorms thought of hazardous for flights?
Thunderstorms current a number of hazards, together with lightning strikes, wind shear, heavy precipitation, turbulence, and downdrafts. These phenomena can individually and collectively compromise flight security.
Query 2: Are plane outfitted to deal with lightning strikes?
Plane are designed to resist lightning strikes; nonetheless, strikes can nonetheless trigger injury and disrupt crucial techniques. Precautionary measures are taken to reduce dangers.
Query 3: How does wind shear have an effect on plane throughout takeoff?
Wind shear, a sudden change in wind pace and course, can disrupt airflow over the wings, impacting elevate and doubtlessly resulting in lack of management throughout crucial phases of flight.
Query 4: What function does heavy precipitation play in takeoff selections?
Heavy precipitation reduces visibility and will increase drag, impacting plane efficiency and pilot situational consciousness throughout takeoff.
Query 5: Can flights take off in turbulent situations?
Mild to reasonable turbulence is perhaps permissible. Nevertheless, extreme or excessive turbulence necessitates delaying or canceling takeoff on account of security considerations.
Query 6: How do regulatory pointers affect takeoff selections throughout thunderstorms?
Regulatory pointers set up particular standards, together with visibility and wind shear limits, that have to be met for secure takeoff. These pointers prioritize passenger and crew security.
Understanding these components and their affect on flight security is important for knowledgeable decision-making relating to air journey throughout thunderstorms. Security stays paramount, and selections prioritize the well-being of all concerned.
The next part delves into the precise applied sciences and procedures employed to reinforce flight security throughout thunderstorms.
Suggestions for Air Journey Throughout Thunderstorm Season
Navigating air journey throughout thunderstorm season requires consciousness and proactive planning. The following tips provide steerage for safer and fewer disruptive journey experiences.
Tip 1: Verify Climate Forecasts Repeatedly
Seek the advice of aviation-specific climate forecasts earlier than heading to the airport. Assets just like the Nationwide Climate Service (NWS) and aviation climate web sites present detailed info on thunderstorm exercise, together with forecasts and real-time observations.
Tip 2: Signal Up for Flight Alerts
Airways usually provide flight alert companies that present updates on flight standing, together with delays or cancellations on account of climate. Subscribing to those alerts permits for well timed changes to journey plans.
Tip 3: Pack Accordingly
Thunderstorm season typically brings journey disruptions. Packing important objects in carry-on baggage mitigates inconvenience if checked baggage is delayed on account of weather-related flight modifications.
Tip 4: Arrive on the Airport Early
Arriving early gives a buffer for potential delays attributable to thunderstorm exercise. This additional time permits for changes to safety strains, gate modifications, and different unexpected circumstances.
Tip 5: Perceive Airline Insurance policies
Familiarize your self with airline insurance policies relating to weather-related delays and cancellations. Understanding rebooking procedures and compensation choices facilitates smoother dealing with of disruptions.
Tip 6: Keep Knowledgeable on the Airport
Monitor flight info shows and bulletins for updates on flight standing. Airport personnel can present further info and help throughout weather-related disruptions.
Tip 7: Contemplate Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage can present protection for bills incurred on account of weather-related flight cancellations or delays, corresponding to lodging and transportation prices.
Tip 8: Train Endurance and Flexibility
Thunderstorms can disrupt journey plans unexpectedly. Sustaining endurance and suppleness helps navigate these challenges extra easily. Cooperation with airline employees and airport personnel contributes to a extra constructive expertise for everybody.
By implementing these methods, vacationers can mitigate the affect of thunderstorms on their journey plans, enhancing each security and comfort throughout thunderstorm season. Preparation and consciousness are key to navigating the challenges posed by antagonistic climate.
The next part concludes this exploration of flight operations throughout thunderstorms.
Can Flights Take Off in Thunderstorms? A Conclusion
The feasibility and security of flight departures throughout thunderstorms hinges on a posh interaction of meteorological situations, plane capabilities, regulatory pointers, and pilot judgment. Thunderstorms current quite a few hazards, together with lightning strikes, wind shear, heavy precipitation, turbulence, and downdrafts. Whereas plane are designed with security options to mitigate a few of these dangers, the dynamic and unpredictable nature of thunderstorms necessitates cautious evaluation and adherence to established protocols. Regulatory pointers present a framework for secure operations, defining limitations primarily based on visibility, wind situations, and different crucial components. Pilot judgment stays paramount, integrating accessible info and making real-time selections that prioritize security above all else. Technological developments, corresponding to Doppler radar and wind shear alert techniques, improve situational consciousness and help in danger mitigation. Nevertheless, the inherent unpredictability of thunderstorms underscores the continuing want for warning and vigilance.
Continued analysis and improvement efforts concentrate on bettering climate forecasting accuracy, refining plane design to higher face up to antagonistic situations, and creating extra refined detection and avoidance applied sciences. These developments promise to additional improve flight security throughout thunderstorms. Nevertheless, a complete understanding of the dangers, adherence to regulatory pointers, and the train of sound judgment by all stakeholders stay important for mitigating the inherent risks of thunderstorm exercise and guaranteeing the security of air journey. Finally, a tradition of security, prioritizing the well-being of passengers and crew, should underpin all selections relating to flight operations within the face of those highly effective climate phenomena.
