Aeroplane & Cloud Mysteries: How Planes Pass Through Clouds

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In summary, airplanes are designed to be aerodynamic and not disturb the air. This is similar to a skilled diver diving into a pool without making a big splash. However, there is still some disturbance from the jet engines. The vortices produced by jet airliners take a long time to dissipate and can cause turbulence for other planes flying in the same corridor. Additionally, the turbulence caused by a jet airliner is not visible from the ground, as clouds block visibility.
  • #1
wolram
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Why is it that an aeroplane can travel through a small cloud and the cloud does not seem to have been disturbed.
 
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  • #2
Why would the cloud be disturbed? Airplanes are designed to be aerodynamic: aerodynamic means not disturbing the air.

It's like a skilled diver diving into a pool but making very little splash.
 
  • #3
russ_watters said:
Why would the cloud be disturbed? Airplanes are designed to be aerodynamic: aerodynamic means not disturbing the air.

It's like a skilled diver diving into a pool but making very little splash.

There is still the thrust from jet engines.
 
  • #4
Well, they are disturbed a little.
 
  • #5
wolram said:
Why is it that an aeroplane can travel through a small cloud and the cloud does not seem to have been disturbed.

I think the cloud only seems undisturbed.

A jet airliner produces vortices from its wingtips. Those vortices take a long time to dissipate. When two airliners are flying in the same corridor (which is generally avoided but inevitable when approaching a landing strip), then the separation must be at least two minutes. Too short a time interval and the still violent turbulence may crash the trailing aeroplane. Wherever a jet airliner flies, it will leave heavy disturbance.

But if inside a cloud a portion of the air mass is turbulent, would you spot that from the ground? I don't see how. You cannot see inside a cloud; it's a cloud when you cannot see through it.

Cleonis
 
  • #6
Scroll down about 1/3rd into this web page to see the effect:

http://home.comcast.net/~clipper-108/lift.htm [Broken]
 
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1. How do airplanes pass through clouds?

Airplanes pass through clouds by using their engines to create lift and thrust, which allows them to maintain a constant speed and altitude. As they approach a cloud, pilots adjust the aircraft's speed and angle of attack to ensure a smooth transition through the cloud layer. The plane's wings and fuselage are also designed to withstand the moisture and turbulence of passing through a cloud.

2. Can airplanes fly above or below clouds?

Yes, airplanes have the ability to fly above or below clouds depending on the current weather conditions and altitude restrictions. Flying above clouds can provide a smoother ride for passengers, while flying below clouds can allow for better visibility for the pilots. However, it is important for pilots to follow specific altitude guidelines to ensure the safety of all aircraft in the sky.

3. Why do airplanes sometimes leave contrails in the sky?

Contrails, or condensation trails, are formed when hot, humid air from an airplane's engine exhaust mixes with the cold air in the atmosphere. The water vapor in the exhaust condenses and freezes, creating a visible trail behind the plane. Contrails can last for several hours, depending on the atmospheric conditions, and are a common sight in the sky on a clear day.

4. Are there any risks associated with flying through clouds?

While flying through clouds is a routine part of air travel, there are some risks to consider. Turbulence and icing are the two main concerns when flying through clouds. Turbulence can cause discomfort for passengers and make it difficult for pilots to maintain control of the aircraft. Icing can also be dangerous as it can affect the performance of the plane and potentially cause structural damage. Pilots are trained to identify and avoid these risks when flying through clouds.

5. How do pilots navigate through clouds?

Pilots use a variety of instruments and technology to navigate through clouds safely. These include GPS systems, radar, and instrument landing systems. Pilots are also trained to use visual cues from the ground and other aircraft to maintain a safe distance and direction while flying through clouds. Additionally, air traffic control helps guide pilots through areas with heavy cloud cover to ensure safe and efficient navigation.

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