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Old 5th Apr 2007, 02:17
  #33 (permalink)  
arcniz
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: 38N
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Do anybody know if weather radar might have any affect on
operating crew,
Rather like those extraordinarily powerful energy pumps on the wings, the idea of the airbourne radar is that the supplies go in one end and the focussed energy goes out the other.

In normal operation, very little energy leaks from the onboard radar. A cellphone in one's shirt pocket probably emits 10,000x more free microwave radiation than one is likely to encounter coming from a properly working aircraft radar package, including all components from power supply to the radome.

If something is not properly connected or is otherwise malfunctioning, microwave energy may leak out where it should not be. Such conditions likely will appear as a system malfunction. If not, they are likely to be located during periodic system checks.

Standing in front of operating radar units is not advisable, but that is difficult to experience with aircraft radar. Larger aircraft have interlocks that prevent operation on the ground. Small aircraft with radar have skillful pilots who remember to leave it in standby until underway.

Of course, a little tinfoil (or lead) in one's cap is a optional precaution. When it begins to heat up for no clear reason, leave the area asap!

Last edited by arcniz; 5th Apr 2007 at 02:33.
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