What is the maximum temperature for a plane to take off?
The maximum temperature at which an airplane can take off and land depends on a number of factors, including the type of aircraft, the length of the runway, and the altitude of the airport. But, in general, most airplanes cannot take off or land in temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Different airplanes have a different maximum operating temperature. 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.
Air is less dense and generates less lift in extreme heat, making it harder for airplanes to take off, according to the FAA. In some cases, airlines must reduce the amount of cargo and/or passengers on the plane in order to take off in high-heat conditions.
American Airlines policy says planes can reach 90 degrees before it's too hot to board passengers. Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines do not set a maximum temperature limit for boarding. Delta made headlines in July for keeping people on a plane for hours in more than 100-degree heat.
Contrary to what many passengers believe, commercial airplanes can fly in almost all weather conditions and are rarely affected by lousy weather. When airports and airlines are expecting severe weather, they may implement planned cancelations to some flights.
But icing aside, cold air can help a plane take off and fly more efficiently. So why do planes perform better in cold weather? Simply, colder air is denser than warmer air, which contributes to engine performance and air lift.
Every plane has a different maximum operating temperature, depending on the weight, body and engines of the aircraft. For the Boeing 737, anything above 54 degrees Celsius (129.2 Fahrenheit) is a no-go.
Overheating your engine can cause power loss, excess oil consumption, and damaging detonation. A wide range of causes can bring on the problem, from engine and fuel system mismanagement—suggesting that it's time for a pilot's operating handbook review—to fixation, or poor use of checklists.
This includes those with cardiac failure, recent myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke, angina (chest pain) at rest, heart rate or rhythm disorders, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, severe anemia, sickle-cell anemia, acute mental disorders, epilepsy, and any serious or contagious diseases.