What is identified as a common factor that affects flying?

Weather is identified as a common factor that significantly affects flying for a variety of reasons. It encompasses a range of conditions such as wind speed and direction, visibility, temperature, precipitation, and storms, all of which can impact flight safety and operational efficiency.

For instance, strong winds can lead to turbulence, making the flight uncomfortable or even dangerous, while poor visibility can impede navigation and landing procedures. Additionally, adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms can lead to delays and require flight path adjustments to ensure safety. Pilots and air traffic controllers must constantly monitor weather patterns to make informed decisions regarding flight operations.

Altitude, while important in aviation for aspects such as performance and air pressure, does not inherently alter the flying experience across the board as weather does. Fuel type and aircraft model may impact specific performance characteristics of a flight, but they are not as universally influential on flying conditions and safety as weather is. Thus, weather stands out as a critical factor that pilots must consider in their pre-flight planning and in-flight operations.