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Flight to Phoenix returns to Houston due to heat
"The temperature limitation for this aircraft [Embraer 175] to operate safely was 118," according to a United Airlines spokeswoman. "Temperatures are not expected to hit that peak heat today [Monday] so we do not anticipate impact on operations due to the heat." (www.azfamily.com) Mehr...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
While taking primary flight lessons in 1980 at NQA, my instructor decided to demonstrate the effects of high temperature density altitude. It was 98 degree and our takeoff roll (in a Cessna 172N) was over 2000'. Good thing we choose the longest runway.
I recall many days when it was 110 or more on tarmac at KPSC and B-727's would sink into asphalt creating problems with the back door closing. I do not miss those summer days.
Remember DC-10 flight Seattle to Cleveland, Minneapolis leg, at 20,000, temp outside 70 degrees fahrenheit. Captain came on apologizing, unable to fly higher. This lasted for up to 1000 miles. Plane must have had elevator, trim set to climb; we had a weird, swirling feel as it rolled somewhat, like it was trying to find itself.
I live in Tucson, and my back porch is regularly 8-10 degrees hotter than the official temps. I've been seeing over 120 this past week.
I am told that Southwest Airlines (WN) is one of the few carriers exempt from such temperature restrictions. Many years ago WN paid Boeing $$ for customized engineering performance data, so as to operate out of PHX, TUC, and others in the summer.
It's currently 122F here in Kuwait. You can see all kinds of aircraft from small GA, to military jets, to biz jets, to A380s operating in the heat here with few problems. If you pay the manufacturer extra to do the testing, they'll re-write the charts for you to cover your conditions.
Boeing's expansion of performance envelope calculations was more related to selling planes to Middle East customers