Is it safe for planes to fly in extreme cold?

The outside air temperature on a flight at 30,000 feet regularly reach temperatures as low as -80C, or even -100C without any problems. Aircraft are designed to cope with all weather extremes and the speed and movement keeps the temperature in the engines and fuel tank much higher than the outside temperature.



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“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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Since planes are designed to fly in this temperature, cold weather on the ground does not, by itself, inhibit flight. However, cold weather can impact activities on the ground. While less of an issue for take-off, an icy or wet ground can extremely inhibit a plane's ability for landing safely.

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Since planes are designed to fly in this temperature, cold weather on the ground does not, by itself, inhibit flight. However, cold weather can impact activities on the ground. While less of an issue for take-off, an icy or wet ground can extremely inhibit a plane's ability for landing safely.

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Can a plane take off in a thunderstorm? Technically, it is possible, but pilots and air traffic experts prefer to keep planes on the ground when a storm is present and wait for it to calm down before setting off.

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Luckily, modern airplanes are not only designed to withstand frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall but are designed to function well in those conditions. Therefore, when it comes to ice or snow, the primary concern is the runway's condition and ensuring no ice is present on the aircraft before departure.

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When 150 or more passengers are loaded onto the plane, they produce more heat and humidity. Preboarding, aircraft will often use external units to pump air preconditioned to a temperature considered acceptable to passengers, usually around 70 degrees.

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What wind mph causes turbulence? Strong surface winds—20 MPH or higher—can cause takeoff to be bumpy, but only for one to two minutes. Check the precipitation percentage.

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While rain has a very slim chance of canceling a flight, there can be a minor chance that rain will delay it. Rain is just water, no matter the pressure. Modern aircraft can generate lift regardless of the heaviness of the rain. Planes can and will take off and land in the rain.

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