Question #11:

How do weather conditions affect aircraft endurance?

Answer:

Headwinds increase flight time and fuel burn, reducing endurance, while tailwinds have the opposite effect. High temperatures and high altitudes degrade engine performance and lift, requiring higher thrust and more fuel for takeoff, climb and cruise. Thunderstorms force deviations that extend route distance and increase fuel consumption. Icing conditions may require the use of anti‑icing systems, which increase fuel flow. That is why, flight dispatchers account for these factors when calculating fuel requirements to ensure sufficient fuel.