How cold is too cold for planes?

“Jet fuel begins to gel in extreme conditions and does eventually freeze, typically at minus 40 or so, although additives can be included that reduce that further,” says Haines. “Aircraft at cruising altitude will often experience temperatures of minus 50 to minus 70 F for hours on end.”



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Airplanes fly in minus 56 celsius (-69 degrees Fahrenheit) or colder conditions at altitude, therefore if the fluids can be kept warm, the airplane can usually operate. Very hot conditions usually result in performance problems more than mechanical ones.

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Bombardier jets, for example, are designed to operate in temperatures of no more than 118 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas larger Airbus and Boeing jets are able to operate in temperatures of no more than about 126 degrees Fahrenheit.

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From sea level up to 36,000 feet msl, the temperature will likely decrease at a rate of 2° C or 3.5° F for every 1,000 feet gained. At 10,000 feet msl, there will be a standard temperature of -4.8° C or 23.3° F. Keep in mind at sea level, the standard temperature is 15° C or 59° F.

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When a plane flies through a supercooled cloud the disturbance causes droplets to collect on the airplane, and since the water droplets are already supercooled they solidify into ice almost instantly. While flying through a large cloud of supercooled water droplets, an airplane can experience considerable ice buildup.

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It is recommended that if you have a cold that you do not fly; this should be enforced by airlines in the case of aircrew, and aircrew are required to self-report any symptoms of cold, flu, or similar.

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But, is there an exact temperature that makes it too cold for a commercial airplane to fly? “There is not a specific temperature,” says Tom Haines, Senior Vice President of Media, Communications & Outreach at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

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The type of weather that delays and cancels flights is called inclement weather. Inclement weather is categorized as thunderstorms, snowstorms, wind shear, icing, and fog.

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Before departure, call 1-800-WX-BRIEF for latest weather and file flight plans. Miscellaneous Items: Text Notam Information.

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If you fly with a head cold or seasonal allergies, Dr. Pinkston said it's possible you may significantly stretch your eardrum because your Eustachian tubes wouldn't be working properly to equalize pressure. If the stretching of the eardrum is considerable, these problems may occur: Capillaries in the ear break.

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Why Flying With a Sinus Infection Hurts. First, if you're sick, and especially if you're coughing, you probably shouldn't be flying. Not only is it better for you to stay home and rest, it's also better to keep from spreading your illness to others.

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Ice builds up on aircraft in two ways: in flight or on the ground. On the ground, precipitation falls onto the airplane and freezes on upper surfaces much like what happens if you leave your car out overnight. On planes, ground icing forms on the upper surfaces of the wing and tail.

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