Flying in the Heat? Don’t Overlook the Human Factors

Psychologist and pilot breaks down hidden risks of summer operations and how to sharpen aeronautical decision making.

Meg Godlewski

Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Before you go up in the air on a hot day, there are some things you should consider. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The "Sizzling Summer Safety Series" by Jolie Lucas addresses the overlooked impact of environmental factors (like heat, dehydration, and sleep disruption) on a pilot's attention, judgment, and communication, which can severely degrade performance.
The series equips pilots with practical tools to recognize subtle human-factors changes in themselves and others, encouraging them to question assumptions, establish limits, and make conservative decisions to enhance safety.
It also highlights the vital role of non-pilot companions in observing behavioral changes and supporting safe choices, as part of a broader, year-round initiative sponsored by Avemco to explore distinct human factors challenges across all flying seasons.

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In ground school pilots learned how high elevation, hot weather, and high humidity can degrade an aircraft’s performance. But they probably didn’t pick up much about what those conditions do to the pilot.

If taught at all, it was likely through trial and error. If only there was an easier way, and now there is. The Sizzling Summer Safety Series by psychologist, speaker, and commercial pilot Jolie Lucas walks you through this human-factors minefield.