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Why Are Upward Gusts Potentially Dangerous?

a) They cause turbulence
b) They decrease lift
c) They reduce visibility
d) They can lead to a stall

User Oglester
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Upward gusts can cause severe turbulence, which disrupts the airflow over aircraft wings potentially leading a plane to stall. Taking off into the wind is safer as it increases lift with less ground speed.

Step-by-step explanation:

Upward gusts are potentially dangerous because they cause turbulence, which can lead to a stall. Aircraft are designed to perform within certain aerodynamic conditions, and turbulence disrupts smooth airflow over the wings. This disruption can result in a sudden loss of lift, and if the aircraft cannot recover quickly, it may enter a stall. This is a condition wherein the aircraft loses all lift and begins to fall.

Moreover taking off into the wind is beneficial because it increases the relative wind speed over the wing and hence the lift allowing the airplane to become airborne with less ground speed. Storm reports indicating strong pressure differences suggest the potential for high winds and, possibly, tornadoes both of which can contribute to the severe turbulence and upward gusts that are hazardous to aircraft.

User H Sampat
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