Helicopter flights suspended due to rare lightning phenomenon

Severe weather conditions disrupt offshore worker transport in the North Sea.

In a significant disruption to offshore operations, helicopter flights transporting workers across the North Sea have been grounded due to a rare weather event known as triggered lightning. This phenomenon, which is unique to specific regions including the North Sea and the Sea of Japan, poses a serious risk to aviation safety, particularly during the winter months.

Understanding triggered lightning

Triggered lightning is a rare occurrence that typically happens in winter, with only one or two strikes reported between November and April each year. Unlike typical thunderstorms, this type of lightning can be triggered by specific atmospheric conditions, leading to sudden and unpredictable strikes.

The implications for helicopter operations are significant, as these flights often operate in seemingly calm weather, only to encounter dangerous conditions unexpectedly.

The impact on helicopter operations

Major helicopter operators, including Bristow, have been forced to suspend flights from Aberdeen Airport due to the risk posed by triggered lightning. Tim Glasspool, Bristow’s Head of UK Flight Operations, emphasized the challenges faced by flight planners. “To a passenger sitting in the Aberdeen terminal, or on an offshore platform, the weather might look pretty decent,” he explained. “However, our Met Office weather forecasting system can reveal a very different story.”

Safety measures and future operations

Despite the calm conditions that may prevail at the surface, the presence of forecasted lightning zones necessitates a cautious approach. “Unless we can chart a safe course well away from these areas, we don’t fly,” Glasspool stated. While Bristow’s aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes, the potential for damage to critical instruments and navigation systems remains a serious concern. A spokesperson for Bristow reassured that the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority, and efforts will be made to reschedule flights as soon as conditions allow.

This incident highlights the broader challenges faced by aviation operators during the winter months, where weather conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably. As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all personnel involved in offshore operations.