Climate Heat Causes Frightening Airplane Turbulence
A New York Times reporter described the fear that global warming has triggered among both passengers and pilots. “In extreme cases, a runway could simply be too short to accommodate the heaviest planes in the hottest weather.” Not comforting and downright frightening.
Hot air is not as dense as cool air. That means less lift to get a multiton airplane off the ground. The hot air also cuts the amount of engine thrust. Both make getting off the ground.
Additionally, as planes pass through the air that is unexpectedly warm, even thousands of miles above the ground, they can be hit by unexpected turbulence. In most situations, this is not dangerous. However, the Times reporter says. “But it can be alarming, uncomfortable and, in extremely rare cases, even deadly for passengers who aren’t buckled in.”
Two things must be altered soon if the problems on or near the ground are to be reduced. One is longer runways. The other is reconfigured aircraft. Each, but itself, is a multibillion problem.
In extreme cases, the ultrahot air can lead to pilot error. Although this is not likely, it is possible.
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