Cosmic Radiations

Crew members who regularly fly at high cruise altitudes receive higher levels of ionizing radiation than the general population. The increased risk appears to be slight, but greater attention is being focused on monitoring of, and education about, ionizing radiation…. Continue Reading →

Engine Power Loss in Ice Crystal Conditions

High-altitude ice crystals in convective weather are now recognized as a cause of engine damage and engine power loss that affects multiple models of commercial airplanes and engines. These events typically have occurred in conditions that appear benign to pilots, including an absence of airframe icing and only light turbulence. The engines in all events…… Continue Reading →

Flight In severe Turbulence

A turbulence encounter is a play featuring three characters: the atmosphere, the aircraft and the pilot (whether a human pilot or an auto-pilot). The purpose of the Airbus article is to review the respective role and contribution of these three actors, through the main aspects associated with flying in severe turbulence at altitude…. Continue Reading →

Freezing Rain as an In Flight Icing Hazard

The NASA Twin Otter Icing Research Aircraft experienced a prolonged exposure to "classical" Freezing Rain that formed extensive ice formations including ridges and nodules on the wing and tail, and resulted in a substantial performance penalty. Although the case study provides only a singular FZRA event with one aircraft type, it is clear that classical…… Continue Reading →

Getting To Grips With Cold Weather Operations

The purpose of this document is to provide Airbus operators with an understanding of Airbus aircraft operations in cold weather conditions, and address such aspects as aircraft contamination, performance on contaminated runways, fuel freezing limitations and altimeter corrections. This brochure summarizes information contained in several Airbus Industrie documents and provides related recommendations…. Continue Reading →

Lightning Strikes

Each in-service aircraft is struck by lightning at least once per year, on average. Even if the level of energy of lightning strikes is high, their effects on an aircraft are limited. This Airbus article explains the lightning phenomenon and why aircraft are prone to lightning strikes. It describes how aircraft are designed to limit…… Continue Reading →