The Operating Environment and Aircraft Performance


Aviation is always affected by the operating environment and cold weather with icing conditions it might be the one that affects the most. This includes temperature, pressure, density, and conditions that affect aircraft’s performance.  The density of the air has a pronounced effect on aircraft and engine performance. Air density is affected by changes in altitude, temperature, humidity, and decreasing the temperature increases the density. (FAA, n.d.). The density of air varies inversely with the temperature only at a constant pressure. 

Aircraft performance is affected by takeoff and landing distance and the rate of climb. Climb performance is directly dependent upon the ability to produce either excess thrust or excess power (FAA, n.d.). The colder the air, the denser it becomes to provide a more efficient flying experience. When more air mass flows over your wing allows the pilot to generate more lift, and more oxygen mass in the cylinder means more power. Increasing air density increases engine, propeller, and wing's performance. Decreasing air density decreases performance.

Runway conditions due to the environment can affect takeoff and landing performance, it can increase landing and takeoff distance because braking effectiveness can be reduced. This is the amount of power that is applied to the brakes without skidding the tires. Braking action is reduced in contaminated runways when is slippery, a pilot with or without experience could slide off the runway.

A thin layer as small as sandpaper can reduce lift by a lot.  Deicing and anti-icing for the Fuselage and wings are very important when precipitation occurs to avoid this. Anti/De-Ice Holdover Times are necessary to takeoff without a contaminated aircraft, and this creates time constraints. A flight that has this conditions can be delayed from takeoff and landing or even divert to a place where the conditions are better.
The mitigation strategy includes awareness of the weather conditions, this includes table charts, takeoff configuration setting, and following the SOP, standard operating procedure, for these conditions.


Reference 

FAA. (n.d.). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. 
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/13_phak_ch11.pdf

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