How does space weather affect the aviation sector?
HF Communication
Space weather can disrupt high-frequency (HF) radio communication because it disturbs the atmospheric layer that reflects HF signals. When space weather disrupts this form of communication, it can cause blackouts, meaning that pilots need to switch to back-up communication equipment, which often don't work as well for long-distance communication in comparison to HF-communication.
GNSS
The radiation emitted from CMEs or solare flares also causes GNSS uncertainties. GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is crucial for aviation safety, but is also very vulnerable to space weather. GNSS provides precise position and timing data. Space weather causes signal degradation, inaccuracies, or complete outages.
Radiation
Space weather exposes vehicles flying above 8 km to a radiation environment, especially flights in the polar region. Exposure to radiation negatively affects human health, harming those who are exposed the most. The people most at risk are pilots and the crew with long flying careers.