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Hot Weather Takes a Toll

Adjusting to the demands of summertime flying.

Strategies for successful summertime training include planning shorter trip legs, diversion airports, and keeping up with hydration. [Courtesy: Michael Wildes]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author's experience training a student in summer highlighted how extreme heat significantly impairs both pilot and aircraft performance, leading to fatigue and suboptimal training outcomes.
  • Beyond typical weather and aircraft considerations, pilots often overlook the critical impact of "thermal stress" on human physiology, which can compromise safety and effectiveness.
  • To counter summer flying challenges, pilots should prioritize careful planning, including shorter flight segments, hydration, appropriate attire, and scheduling flights during cooler periods.
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I remember saying to my student, “It’s finally August, Kevin, we’re almost there.” I was upbeat about our training progress and beaming with optimism that we’d be able to meet our goal. Kevin and I met for the first time in June. We were paired together for his initial commercial pilot training course.

Doing my typical spiel, I told Kevin it was possible to earn his entire certificate before the end of summer. I would do my best to make it happen if he was up for the challenge, but I warned him: “This will be very demanding.” The fact that we had to complete the entire training course was the easy part—the Florida summertime heat and humidity would push us to our limits. “At least your training block is at 6 a.m. It’ll be cooler in the mornings, but we have to watch for the early morning fog followed by the cloud build-up,” I reasoned out loud insearch of some reprieve in light of our aggressive training agreement.

Michael Wildes

Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.

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