Difficult days

When weather strikes

The first fogs of 2017 are beginning to creep across the thresholds of Australia’s capital city airports. The moist, stagnant air masses come not long after the east coast of Australia has been through a torrid few rounds with Mother Nature. Incessant rain, strong winds, low cloud and a dose of Cyclone Debbie thrown in for good measure. In aviation circles, such conditions are not compatible with rigid schedules and the need for dynamic planning and replanning exists at all levels, from the back office to the flight deck. In a society that often has trouble choosing between Instagram and Snapchat, responsible decision-making for flight crews can come thick and fast when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Passengers traditionally watch the weather at the holiday venue and are struck by understandable frustration when the elements are set to spoil their reason for travel, or possibly even prevent it happening at all. Pilots too, are aware of what may lie ahead for the day’s flying, even before they drive to the airport. The evening news the night before and a review of the forecasts for the next day can all begin to build a broad picture. That picture is in turn refined in the briefing room as flight plans, NOTAMs and ‘weathers’ are downloaded or printed out and the discussion begins.