Fog can severely limit visibility, impacting pilots and air traffic controllers during takeoff and landing procedures. This can lead to thousands of flight delays and cancellations globally each year, particularly during winter months when cold temperatures and high humidity create ideal conditions for fog formation.
When visibility drops below 600 meters at an airport, Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are implemented to ensure safe aircraft movement on the airfield. Running on the runway in fog is especially challenging, as pilots and ATC must rely on maps and limited communications, requiring the aircraft to reach farther distances before takeoff compared to normal conditions.
Autopilot is often used for landing in low visibility areas, with airports needing landing support systems for safe landings in thick fog. Takeoffs and landings require specific visibility criteria to be met at various points on the runway, with the runway needing to be clear until the aircraft is safely airborne or landed.
Arcata-Eureka Airport in California is known as one of the foggiest airports in the world, used by the US Navy for testing fog reduction systems and all-weather training. This highlights the challenges that fog presents in aviation operations and the importance of following specific procedures for safe takeoffs and landings in these conditions.
In addition to its impact on pilots and air traffic controllers, dense fog can also have economic consequences for airlines and airports worldwide. Flight delays can lead to increased costs due to lost revenue from ticket sales and additional expenses related to rerouting flights or providing accommodations for passengers.
However, despite these challenges, airlines continue to invest in technology solutions that can help reduce the impact of fog on their operations. For example, some airlines use advanced weather forecasting systems that can provide real-time updates on fog conditions at different altitudes.
Overall, while dense fog presents significant challenges for aviation operations worldwide, it is important that airlines continue to prioritize safety protocols while also investing in new technologies that can help mitigate these risks.
