Landing into thunderstorms?

Question

Would the pilot risk landing in a thunderstorm?

or if its bad enough do they circle?

I cant believe for my first flight ever on Thursday, they are calling for T-storms in Philly..

thats where Im headed.

*sigh*

Answer 1

no way.

I think they will try to avoid the storms as best they can. Rain and wind can mess up a landing badly (really...i've seen it happen) They probably will circle it even if it was just showers.

If they cant make a safe landing, they would probably circle around the area until its safe. If they do that, then the airline will delay the flight (hoping that the weather would lighten up...) or cancel it (if the weather doesnt lighten up..) They wont try to land in a thunderstorm or even just rain.

Answer 2

There hasn't been a crash involving a major US carrier since Delta 191 at Dallas Fortworth in 1985.  Since that crash there have been many changes to prevent another similar occurence.

All modern airliners are equipped with onboard radar.  In addition, most air carrier airports are equipped with windshear detection equipment and doppler radar is being deployed nationwide.

Other than ingesting too much water or hail damage, the main threat to airplanes from convective activity is from low level windshear, caused by downdrafts.  Since the advent of low level windshear warnings, the probably of related incidents has been significantly reduced.

If I were you, I would be much more concerned about the staffing levels at the air traffic control facilities along your route.  Many controllers are working mandatory 10 hour days and 6 days weeks.

http://jurassicbark.blogspot.com

Answer 3

Bear in mind that pilots are the first to arrive at the seen on any crash. Translation: They don't want to die and will avoid unsafe actions for that reason.

There are thunderstorms and thunderstorms. Some will affect flights and some won't. And just because thunderstorms are expected in the Philadelphia area on Thursday doesn't necessarily mean that the airport  will ever get them, or that there will be thunderstorm activity in the area all day long.

Relax. (Easier said than done, I know. But try.)

Answer 4

AIrcraft do not land in thunderstorms.  Actually, it depends on the exact conditions at the airport, but thunderstorms often produce conditions that are unsafe for landing (and flying in general).  If this is the case for a specific flight, it will either hold briefly at a safe distance from the thunderstorm, or it will divert to a nearby airport without thunderstorm activity.  If it's waiting to take-off, it will be delayed until the thunderstorm passes.

Answer 5

Aircraft can land safely in lightning. I have been on a 757 that got hit by lighting on approach to Mahon airport, nothing happens.

Aircraft are not little flimsey things. They can withstand more than your house probably can!

Answer 6

I have been rerouted to different airports due to thunder storms if they are expected to last too long.  Generally, your flight will circle until it is safe.

Don't be afraid, flying is safer than driving (and you aren't landing at JFK in NY LOL!!)

Answer 7

I've been on flights that have been "waved off" because of thunderstorms.  And in one extreme case, we landed at another airport.

If the weather is real bad, they'll close the airport (which is why we were diverted).  But if the airport is open, it's the pilot's decision whether to land or circle until the storm cell passes.  

A lot of factors are taken into consideration when landing in "bad" weather.  The main problems are cross-winds; that can cause the aircraft to miss the runway.  If it's just a bit of turbulence, most planes will land.

So you may get a bit of turbulence as you descend through the clouds.  But rest assured, the pilot will not endanger their own life (or anyone else's) in trying to land if it is not safe to do so.

For mine... I was perfectly happy to land at another airport.  A know a lot of the passengers were complaining.  But I'd rather be safe on the ground (but off course a little), rather than a risky landing that could have ended in disaster.

Don't worry.

Have faith in your pilots.

(They want to get home in one piece too you know.)

Have a happy trip.

Answer 8

no sweetie they will either circle until they think its ok to land or be diverted to another airport and if you arn't diverted dont worry then its the pilots disision to land or not ok im sure everything will be just fine for you have a nice holliday!!!!