Tit
le: Why do airplanes sometimes fly above storms? Air travel nowadays is one of the most convenient modes of transportation, especially for long-distance travel. Flying above the clouds gives a sense of freedom and adventure, but sometimes, passengers may notice that the airplane is not flying in a straight line and may deviate from the originally planned route. This may be puzzling as it may seem like the plane is flying in circles or avoiding certain areas. However, this is not the case. In fact, airplanes often fly above storms for certain reasons. When a plane is cruising at a high altitude, it is susceptible to sudden weather changes, particularly thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are the most dangerous weather phenomena for airplanes as they can create turbulence and affect the plane's stability. As a result, pilots tend to avoid flying through storms as a precautionary measure. But why do they not just fly around them? Immense thunderstorms can be hundreds of miles wide and tall enough to reach the cruising altitude of a commercial airplane, including the troposphere, where most of the Earth's weather occurs. Instead of deviating around a massive storm, pilots will often fly above it. They may aim to reach higher altitudes, and this helps to avoid most of the storm's hazardous conditions. When flying above a storm, pilots can also leverage the jet stream, a high-altitude air current that moves in a specific direction. By taking advantage of the jet stream, planes can increase their speed or reduce their fuel consumption, saving time and cost while avoiding dangerous weather conditions. Moreover, modern aircraft have advanced radar systems that can detect storms from a great distance. Pilots can receive weather updates from the ground or re-route the flight for a safer passage if necessary. This way, the airplane can continue to fly smoothly, and the passengers can feel safe and relaxed. In conclusion, flying above storms is an essential safety protocol for commercial aircraft. While it may seem like a deviation from the planned trajectory, it is a necessary procedure as it helps pilots to avoid dangerous weather conditions and maintain the aircraft's stability. So next time, when you travel on an airplane, and you encounter a storm, take comfort in knowing that the pilot is taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe flight.