pilot602
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Delta Air Lines will test new technology this summer designed to detect unexpected bursts of turbulence created by thunderstorms, the government said on Tuesday.
The U.S. space agency NASA said Delta, the country's third-largest airline, will install a software upgrade on a wind shear detection system in the nose of a newer model Boeing 737.
Wind shear is a sudden and powerful downward draft of air from storms that is dangerous to aircraft during takeoff and landing. The test period is timed for the summer thunderstorm season.
Turbulence from storms is the leading cause of injuries aboard airliners. Federal Aviation Administration statistics show an average of 58 passengers are hurt in turbulence each year, most because they are not wearing seat belts.
"Any time pilots can get a heads up on turbulence it's a whole lot easier to make sure that passengers and crew are in their seats with their seat belts on," said Brian Pickett, a Delta spokesman.
Pilots usually try to avoid thunderstorms by going around them or changing altitude or speed.
While pilots know of approaching storms by reading cockpit weather radar displays, they cannot detect potentially dangerous turbulence near the edge of a storm.
The newly developed technology will analyze information on the strength and location of turbulence 25 to 40 miles away. This could give an airline pilot flying at cruising speed three to five minutes to make adjustments or prepare for a jolt.
Paul Robinson, president of AeroTech Research Inc., a contractor on the project with scientists at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, said the technology can also calculate the strength of the turbulence and its potential effect on a specific aircraft.
"That's the key to the whole thing. It not only takes the radar measurements, it understands what the aircraft is," Robinson said.
With more detailed information, pilots may be able to make more precise course changes, which could cut flying time and save fuel without compromising safety or comfort.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Delta Air Lines will test new technology this summer designed to detect unexpected bursts of turbulence created by thunderstorms, the government said on Tuesday.
The U.S. space agency NASA said Delta, the country's third-largest airline, will install a software upgrade on a wind shear detection system in the nose of a newer model Boeing 737.
Wind shear is a sudden and powerful downward draft of air from storms that is dangerous to aircraft during takeoff and landing. The test period is timed for the summer thunderstorm season.
Turbulence from storms is the leading cause of injuries aboard airliners. Federal Aviation Administration statistics show an average of 58 passengers are hurt in turbulence each year, most because they are not wearing seat belts.
"Any time pilots can get a heads up on turbulence it's a whole lot easier to make sure that passengers and crew are in their seats with their seat belts on," said Brian Pickett, a Delta spokesman.
Pilots usually try to avoid thunderstorms by going around them or changing altitude or speed.
While pilots know of approaching storms by reading cockpit weather radar displays, they cannot detect potentially dangerous turbulence near the edge of a storm.
The newly developed technology will analyze information on the strength and location of turbulence 25 to 40 miles away. This could give an airline pilot flying at cruising speed three to five minutes to make adjustments or prepare for a jolt.
Paul Robinson, president of AeroTech Research Inc., a contractor on the project with scientists at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, said the technology can also calculate the strength of the turbulence and its potential effect on a specific aircraft.
"That's the key to the whole thing. It not only takes the radar measurements, it understands what the aircraft is," Robinson said.
With more detailed information, pilots may be able to make more precise course changes, which could cut flying time and save fuel without compromising safety or comfort.
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