Environmental Factors and Flight

 Environmental Factors That Affect an Aircraft

A major environmental factor that affects airplanes is ice. Ice can be encountered during any season. It can be found anywhere in the country at altitudes of 18,000 feet and sometimes higher. Ice build-up on an aircraft can increase the weight and this, in turn, can decrease lift reducing the aircraft's performance. This can lead to an aircraft stalling. 

There are several strategies that airliners and pilots can utilize to combat this environmental factor. A heating mechanism to prevent ice build-up on the wings. The pilot can intentionally stall the plane before encountering ice that is why they understand how to correct the stall. Another way to combat ice is to lower the aircraft's altitude. The overall main way to avoid and prevent ice is to be vigilant and pay attention in all weather conditions. 

The Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowlege mentions how jet engines are able to melt the ice, but smaller commuter aircraft lack this ability. These aircraft are more susceptible to ice buildup. Its important to always avoid ice and the development of ice on an aircraft. Being perceptive of your environment is a contributing factor to avoiding ice. 

Reference 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/13_phak_ch11.pdf