Downdrafts


Downdrafts are currents of air that move downward in the atmosphere. In aviation, downdrafts are a significant weather hazard for aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing. Downdrafts can be caused by thunderstorms, mountain waves, or temperature inversions. When an aircraft encounters a downdraft, it experiences a sudden decrease in altitude and airspeed, which can be dangerous if the aircraft is flying at low altitude. Pilots are trained to recognize and avoid downdrafts by monitoring weather reports and using onboard weather radar. In some cases, pilots may need to divert their flight path to avoid areas of known downdraft activity.


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