When fog at airports disrupts operations, it can lead to thousands of flight delays and cancellations globally each year. During takeoff and landing procedures, pilots and air traffic controllers face severe limitations in visibility, with winter being a particularly high-risk season due to cold temperatures and high humidity creating ideal conditions for fog formation.
When visibility drops below 600 meters at an airport, Low Visibility Procedures (LVP) are implemented to ensure safe aircraft movement on the airfield. Running on the runway in fog is especially challenging for pilots and ATC as they rely on maps and limited communications, requiring the aircraft to reach farther distances before takeoff compared to normal conditions.
Takeoffs and landings require specific visibility criteria to be met at various points on the runway, with the runway needing to be clear until the aircraft is safely airborne or landed. Autopilot is often used for landing in low visibility areas, with airports needing landing support systems for safe landings in thick fog.
Arcata-Eureka Airport in California is known as one of the foggiest airports in the world, used by the US Navy for testing fog reduction systems and all-weather training. This highlights the challenges that fog presents in aviation operations and the importance of following specific procedures for safe takeoffs and landings in these conditions.
In conclusion, dense fog can severely limit visibility during takeoff and landing procedures at airports worldwide. Foggy weather can cause numerous disruptions to airline operations, leading to thousands of flight delays and cancellations annually. The use of Low Visibility Procedures (LVP), autopilot technology, and landing support systems are critical components that help ensure safe aircraft movement during these challenging weather conditions.