Whenever we think about an aircraft's maintenance, we only focus on the aviation welding technicians' expertise. We tend to avoid other aspects and factors. Some natural elements can threaten an aircraft’s safety. Most of these elements are almost impossible to avoid. It is a matter of luck to a significant extent to get away with these threats. You may or may not get struck by any of these during flight.
Lightning Strike
Lightning strikes are one of the most common strikes that can damage an aircraft. The other one being a bird strike. A lightning strike can damage an aircraft not only apparently but also internally.
Apparent damage includes cracks and ripping apart or burning of paint and may also cause damage to metal surfaces. It depends on the hardness of the lightning strike. Internally speaking, lightning can cause a phenomenon called “swept stroke.” The strike can cause passengers to suffer from cardiac arrest, muscle pains, broken bones, and loss of consciousness, to name a few.
A lightning strike is something a pilot can't avoid. It is one of the most terrifying and damaging natural factors for a flight especially when it is midair.
Bird Strike
A bird strike is the most common type of natural factor that can damage an aircraft. With increasing pollution, the number of birds in the air is on the rise. More birds in the air mean more chances of them hitting your aircraft mid-air.
It is noteworthy that an aircraft needs a single bird to damage its engine or windscreen. A bird can even crash an aircraft. Considering the speed at which an aircraft is flying, avoiding birds coming in a flock is near to impossible.
The first thing that a bird threatens is an aircraft's propellor, which can become damaged due to a bird strike. Next is the aircraft's engine. A bird can enter the engine of an airplane and bring it to a halt.
Air Pocket
A widespread phenomenon you must have experienced is your aircraft descending abruptly for a short while. It happens when an aircraft goes through an air pocket. An air pocket is a cavity in the air. Wherever there is low air pressure, an aircraft drops downwards with a sudden jerk.
Most air pockets will not cause severe damage. If your pilot is not used to this phenomenon or is not ready to cope with it, it may cause problems. An air pocket may trigger a human error.
Hail Storm
A hail storm can also cause damage or threaten an aircraft’s safety. A hail storm can decrease visibility and make it difficult for a pilot to see appropriately. Locating the runway and other navigation activities becomes difficult.
In addition to causing visibility issues, hail storms also can break the windshield of an aircraft. Even a minor crack in the windscreen can create panic in the pilot’s cabin. In the case of an inexperienced pilot, it can create panic, resulting in a severe mistake.
Tornado
A Tornado can prove to be the most devastating element of nature for your aircraft. It is a lethal source from which escaping alive will not be less than a miracle. Small-sized aircraft don't stand a chance of coming in contact with a tornado and flying past it.
Acorn Welding ensures that any damage done to your aircraft is repaired properly. Our experienced welding technicians are equipped with the best technical knowledge. Moreover, years of experience and high-end tools assist them in delivering the best. To get in touch with us, click here.
