9.2 Weather Hazards

 

Weather Hazards

              I would consider a microburst to be a weather hazard that can pose as a huge risk to aviation operators. Considering that you can’t outclimb a microburst and it can produce an extremely strong downward draft, it is definitely something to be aware of. “Instability, high precipitable water (PW), dry air in the mid-levels, and strong winds in the dry layer are just a few of the parameters necessary for the development of microbursts.  The ideal conditions typically come together during hot and humid summertime afternoons in the Southeast (National Weather Service, 2022).” If these atmospheric conditions are present, it is best to avoid a situation where you can be caught underneath a microburst.

              I chose this hazard because of just how brutal the outcome can be. “Before the introduction of Doppler radar weather-detection systems at airports, scientists estimate that microbursts caused as many as 20 major airline accidents, resulting in over 500 deaths.” Understanding weather and planning flights accordingly can prevent tragedies from occurring.

Reference

National Weather Service. (2022). What is a Microburst? Weather. https://www.weather.gov/bmx/outreach_microbursts#:%7E:text=Instability%2C%20high%20precipitable%20water%20(PW,summertime%20afternoons%20in%20the%20Southeast.

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