Aviation Maintenance in a Time of Wildfires

Aircraft jet engines are particularly susceptible to damage when flying through adverse conditions such as forest fire smoke.

Richard Scarbrough

Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 01:51 PM ET

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Wildfire smoke causes more flight delays than rain or fog, according to the FAA. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Wildfire smoke, exemplified by the current Canadian season, creates significant aviation hazards including turbulence, reduced visibility, and more flight delays than rain or fog, as solid particles interfere with advanced navigation systems.
Aircraft engines, especially jet engines, are highly susceptible to damage from smoke and ash particles, which can clog filters, coat components, cause premature erosion, reduce performance, and potentially lead to engine failure.
To mitigate these impacts, regular maintenance such as compressor washes and filter changes are essential, alongside adhering to temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) imposed around active wildfires to ensure safety and avoid interfering with firefighting efforts.

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In March, wildfires erupted in Canada, creating an early kickoff to what some experts maintain could become an unprecedented, active, and historic fire season. As of early June, nearly 11 million acres have been scorched, according to reports. Thick smoke covered much of the northern U.S., hampering visibility.

It’s a scenario that will likely only become worse, heading into the fire season peak months of July and August. Flying through wildfire smoke leads to two immediate hazards: turbulence and reduced visibility. Wildfires can also have an effect on an aircraft’s engine.