How Pilots Can Deal With the Dreaded Summertime Heat

With warmer months around the corner, it's important to know that heat management isn’t just about comfort.

Michael Wildes

Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 08:27 AM ET

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

Summer heat introduces "thermal stress" which significantly degrades pilot performance, causing issues like delayed reaction times, increased errors, and impaired cockpit management.
Individual responses to thermal stress vary, making it crucial for pilots to recognize signs of impairment in themselves and others (e.g., students), and be prepared to terminate flights if necessary.
To mitigate heat's effects, pilots should plan flights during cooler times, manage their workload, wear breathable clothing, and plan for diversion airports.
Proper hydration is paramount; pilots should drink plenty of water, avoid dehydrating beverages, limit salt intake, and acclimatize their bodies through consistent hydration for up to 10 days before a hot trip.

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My least favorite time of year to fly has been the summer. Why? Heat.

Like a nagging nemesis, summertime heat has been the source of many unwanted events in the summer. It affects both airplane and pilot performances. Most pilots are acutely aware of how the heat will degrade performance and create adverse weather, but how it affects human physiology doesn’t get the same attention.