Too hot to fly

Why in news?

American Airlines cancelled nearly 50 regional flights out of Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona.

What is the reason?

• Every aircraft has performance limitations that also depend on factors other than the weather.
• The reason for cancellation was the high day temperature which was expected to touch 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Extreme heat alters the density of air, making it thinner.
• Thin air prevents generation of required ‘lift’, and makes it more difficult for aircraft to take off.
• Thus, as it gets hotter, planes need progressively longer runways and greater engine power to reach the speeds needed to become airborne.
• In these situations, airlines often put restrictions on onboard weight, and offload cargo and fuel to become lighter.
• Larger jets, with more powerful engines, have higher maximum operating temperatures.
• At these temperatures even the larger jetliners were affected.

Source: Indian Express