How an aircraft avoids a thunderstorm or storm front during flight, IELTS essay 1

The diagram illustrates the standard procedure followed by a modern aircraft to avoid a thunderstorm or a storm front while in flight. This process involves meteorological monitoring, communication with air traffic control, and tactical route adjustment.

At the beginning of the process, the aircraft receives real-time weather data from onboard radar systems and ground-based weather centers. These sources help identify the location, intensity, and movement of a thunderstorm cell or frontal system.

Once a potentially dangerous weather zone is detected, the flight crew evaluates its distance, altitude, and direction of movement. Using radar imagery, pilots determine whether the storm can be safely overflown or needs to be avoided laterally.

In most cases, thunderstorms are not flown over, especially if they exceed safe altitude limits. Instead, the pilots contact air traffic control (ATC) to request a course deviation, typically by 10 to 20 nautical miles to the left or right of the current flight path, depending on traffic and storm location.

After receiving clearance from ATC, the aircraft alters its heading gradually, maintaining a safe distance from the convective activity. Modern aircraft also follow minimum separation standards, ensuring they avoid turbulence, hail, or lightning associated with the storm.

Once the aircraft passes the storm zone and the radar confirms clear skies ahead, the crew contacts ATC again to return to the original flight path or continue along a new route, depending on the position and time constraints.

Overall, the avoidance of a thunderstorm during flight is a coordinated process that relies on early detection, decision-making by the flight crew, and support from air traffic control to ensure safety and efficiency.