News Summary
Phoenix is grappling with extreme summer heat, impacting safety and operations at Sky Harbor Airport. With temperatures consistently exceeding 110 degrees, airlines face challenges such as longer takeoff times and issues with aircraft performance. Experts recommend adjusting flight schedules to early morning or late evening to improve safety and comfort. The heat has also raised concerns for airport personnel safety, prompting a need for better compliance with safety standards. As temperatures rise, airlines must adapt to ensure efficient operations and safeguard the well-being of passengers and staff.
Phoenix is facing significant challenges as extreme summer heat impacts safety and operational processes at Sky Harbor Airport. With temperatures routinely exceeding 110 degrees, airlines are adapting to the consequences of reduced air density, which results in longer takeoff times for aircraft. This phenomenon is due to hot air being thinner, affecting both aircraft performance and passenger comfort.
Airlines operating in Phoenix must consider various operational factors during these heat waves. Temperature increases affect flight safety by reducing aircraft lift and engine thrust, creating conditions akin to flying at an altitude of 5,000 feet. This necessitates longer runways and an assessment of aircraft weight, delaying takeoff times, particularly during peak heat hours. Additionally, the summer months are notorious for turbulence up to about 13,000 feet, attributed to heat radiating upward from the desert floor.
To mitigate these issues, experts recommend scheduling flights early in the morning or later at night when temperatures are comparatively cooler. This adjustment not only aims to enhance passenger comfort but also to improve operational efficiency amidst adverse weather conditions.
Historically, the impact of extreme heat on aviation was starkly evident on June 26, 1990, when Phoenix recorded its highest temperature of 122 degrees. This unprecedented heat halted flights at Sky Harbor as flight manuals did not account for thermal limits beyond 120 degrees. The operational challenges highlighted by this event led to updated flight safety and performance data to better cope with high temperatures, and procedures were amended accordingly.
The relationship between temperature and air density is critical; as temperatures rise above 100 degrees, air density decreases, thereby diminishing aircraft lift and requiring more runway length for takeoffs and landings. Operational tables have since been adjusted to incorporate conditions beyond what was understood in 1990. Passengers and crew are not only affected in terms of flight performance but also face heat stress during these extreme conditions, further complicating the logistics of transporting live cargo.
Beyond the aircraft, ground crews and airport personnel are exposed to hazardous working conditions. During these heat waves, the safety of ramp crews and other airport workers comes into question. The Phoenix heat ordinance mandates that enclosed airport vehicles maintain internal temperatures significantly lower than the ambient temperature, yet recent inspections disclosed that airline catering trucks operated by LSG Sky Chefs lacked functioning air conditioning. Cabin temperatures reportedly exceeded 100 degrees, raising concerns for worker safety and welfare.
Persistent non-compliance with heat safety standards could potentially result in contract termination for LSG Sky Chefs. This situation has spurred labor advocates to highlight that the protections offered to contracted workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor are not as comprehensive as those provided to city employees, drawing attention to potential inequalities in workplace safety regulations.
The cumulative effects of Phoenix’s extreme summer temperatures create a challenging environment not only for flight operations but also for the safety of those who work at the airport. With predictions showing that summer temperatures will continue to rise, it is crucial for airlines and airport management to implement effective solutions that prioritize health and safety for both passengers and employees alike.
As Phoenix’s summers persist in exceeding 110 degrees, the operational constraints and health risks associated with these temperatures will demand ongoing attention and adaptation from airlines and airport personnel alike.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Phoenix Sky Harbor Reaches 122 Degrees
- Google Search: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
- AZFamily: American Airlines Adds New Destinations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Phoenix
- SimpleFlying: Catering Trucks at Phoenix Airport
- Google Scholar: Phoenix Sky Harbor Extreme Heat
- Travel and Tour World: Summer Travel Chaos
- Google News: Phoenix Airport Flights
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
