Last March and April, we in the Philippines experienced the El Niño phenomenon, with temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius. While this was not good for us ‘humans,’ it was also not ideal for planes, as the ground air temperature affects their take-off performance. If you notice, during the warm months, planes take longer to take off compared to the cold months.
Air density decreases as temperature increases. This phenomenon occurs because warm air is less dense than cold air. For aircraft, lower air density means that engines must work harder to generate the same amount of thrust. This relationship between air density and temperature is critical during take-off, when maximum engine performance is required.
Jet engines rely on a constant supply of dense air to operate efficiently. In high temperatures, the air entering the engine is less dense, reducing the engine’s power output. This reduced efficiency can lead to longer take-off rolls and higher fuel consumption. Pilots and engineers must account for these factors when planning flights in hot weather conditions to ensure the aircraft can safely take off within the available runway length.
Lift and Take-Off Performance
Lift is the force that allows an aircraft to become airborne. It is generated by the flow of air over the wings. When ground temperature increases, the air becomes less dense, and the wings generate less lift at a given airspeed. Consequently, the aircraft must reach a higher ground speed to produce the necessary lift for take-off.
The combination of reduced engine efficiency and decreased lift means that aircraft require longer take-off rolls in hot conditions. Pilots must ensure that the runway length is sufficient to achieve the necessary speed for a safe take-off. In some cases, this may require reducing the aircraft’s weight by limiting cargo or passengers, or by carrying less fuel.
Safety Considerations
High ground temperatures can also pose a risk of overheating for aircraft engines and systems. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can affect the performance and longevity of critical components. Maintenance crews and pilots must monitor engine temperatures closely and take preventive measures to avoid overheating, such as limiting ground idle time and ensuring proper airflow during take-off.
To mitigate the effects of high ground temperatures, flight planning must include adjustments for weight, runway length, and take-off speeds. Pilots use performance charts that factor in temperature, altitude, and aircraft weight to determine the safest and most efficient take-off parameters. These calculations are essential for maintaining safety and efficiency in varying environmental conditions.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
