Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Typical Weather Patterns Jet Pilots Must Be Aware Of

By Chris Channing

You could think of a pilot as much of a weather man as the guy you see on the evening news. Pilots are skilled in weather terminology, patterns, and are versed in solving problems that come as a result of being in bad weather. It's their job to keep passengers safe through smart planning.

Pilots have access to special broadcast systems and maps that show them what weather patterns look like. Interactive maps found on the Internet can also show past flow of weather patterns so that the near future can also be predicted. Pilots also get broadcasts from special radio channels that details weather conditions in aviation terms. Overall, it's safe to say that a pilot won't step foot on a plane without first knowing every single condition first.

A pilot is first concerned with the wind during takeoff. A successful takeoff must allow the plane to reach safe altitudes without being blown off course, which might happen if crosswind speed is too high. High winds may also cause unnecessary turbulence that may lead to other complications. This is why pilots may stall aircraft takeoff on occasion to allow wind speeds to drop.

It is surprising how quick weather can change, even with instruments in place to detect changes early. When weather shifts around too fast, it is common to find turbulence. Despite popular belief, a little turbulence is completely normal. The majority of the time, turbulence is harmless, albeit scary to go through. Pilots often navigate around pockets of turbulence when they are able to do so safely.

Thunderstorms are a nightmare for pilots, who know how quickly they may turn into a dangerous force of destruction. Oddly enough, thunderstorms typically are not dangerous due to lightning, which can strike a plane and then become dissipated. Thunderstorms are dangerous for their high wind and the fact they can cloud visibility and radar equipment to the point where pilots are flying a jet almost as if they were blind.

You won't see many planes take off or land when there is high fog. Fog is primarily a problem for these two actions, but can also prove to be harmful for planes flying at the skyline level. Buildings today are equipped with lights to warn pilots of an impending crash, but with high fog this warning may come too late. It can take several hours for fog to clear enough for a pilot to safely attempt a landing or take off.

Closing Comments

You won't have to worry when you go on a private jet trip. Private jet personnel are trained and certified to do their best in transporting passengers safely. You can count on modern pilots to always play the safe card when it comes to protecting passengers. - 42531

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