x
Breaking News
More () »

How the heat could force a flight delay

Under hot conditions, planes need more fuel, which means more weight adding another obstacle for take-off.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Having a flight delayed by heat sounds impossible, but experts say it can happen, especially in hotter areas of the country.

Let's connect the dots.

To understand how heat can impact your flight, we need to think like a pilot. Pilots say the gas-filled atmosphere acts like water. Planes interact with the air, like how we float in water.

As a plane heads down the runway, it pushes against the air, and the air pushes back. And higher temperatures interfere with that pushing.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.

Adding heat separates the molecules and forces more space between them. Making the air just above the tarmac less dense. Planes need more power to take off when this happens.

Under hot conditions, planes need more fuel, which means more weight adding another obstacle for take-off.

Right now,  there isn't an easy solution.

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku and Amazon Fire TV, just download the free app.

To get around the challenges, airlines might have to move long-haul summer flights to early morning or late evenings when it's cooler, making scheduling a flight a bigger headache.

Airports may even have to lengthen runways to give planes more distance to reach takeoff speed.

MORE ON WCNC

Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.   
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts   

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out