Hail is a relatively common weather phenomenon. Statistics show that the United States experiences an average of 158 days of hail per year. It involves frozen precipitation that manifests in the form of balls or clumps of ice. Given that hail can wreak havoc on vehicles, you might be wondering whether it’s hazardous for airplanes as well.
Loss of Visibility
Flying through hail can impair pilots’ visibility. Hailstorms are typically accompanied by rain and turbulence. Depending on the severity of these weather conditions, pilots may struggle to see out the cockpit windows.
Even with modern navigation systems, pilots still need their eyesight. They look out the cockpit windows to identify points of interest as well as other aircraft. Hail, though, can reduce their visibility.
Structural Damage
Another concern when flying through hail is structural damage to the aircraft. Hail stones can vary in size. The larger the hail stones, the greater the risk of structural damage.
When large hail stones strike an aircraft, it can dent structural components like the wings and fuselage. These dents typically won’t compromise the aircraft’s integrity, but it can make the aircraft less aerodynamic. And after landing, the aircraft will likely be grounded until repairs can be made.
In addition to damaging the fuselage and wings, hail stones can crack windows. Most commercial jets have multiple window panes. As large and heavy hail stones strike the cockpit windows, they may crack the outer panes. The inner panes may remain intact, but damage to the outer panes can further restrict pilots’ visibility while making it difficult to fly through hail.
How Pilots Deal With Hail
Pilots deal with hail in several ways, one of which is by avoiding it. Most modern airplanes are equipped with advanced radar systems that allow pilots to identify storms, including storms that may produce hail. Before taking off, pilots will check for weather updates and adjust their routes accordingly to avoid such storms.
Rather than going around hail, pilots may fly over it. Hail typically forms at an altitude of about 60,000 feet where the air is cold. By flying above these formations, pilots can avoid hail.
Pilots can perform emergency maneuvers to minimize the risk of hail damage to the aircraft. Reducing the aircraft’s speed, for instance, can lessen the impact of hail stones. These are just a few ways that pilots deal with hail.
