Flight Restrictions Overview
Concentric Restriction Model
The SLU Aviation Dashboard uses a concentric restriction model where more restrictive weather conditions automatically apply to all less experienced pilot categories. This simplifies decision-making and enhances safety by ensuring that when conditions become marginal or dangerous, appropriate restrictions cascade to all affected pilot levels.
Flight Status Levels
1. All Pilots Clear (Green)
Indicator: Green background (#d4edda)
Border: Green (#28a745)
Conditions: No weather restrictions in effect
Requirements:
- Wind speed < 20 knots
- Crosswind component ≤ 10 knots
- Cloud ceiling ≥ 1,500 ft AGL (or clear)
- Visibility ≥ 3 statute miles
- Heat index < 105°F
- Temperature > 5°F
- No additional restricting factors
Pilots Authorized: All pilot categories (Student, Private, Commercial, Instrument, CFI)
2. Private+ Only (Orange)
Indicator: Orange/red background (#f8d7da)
Border: Orange (#fd7e14)
Conditions: Student pilots restricted due to moderate wind conditions
Restricting Factors:
- Wind speed ≥ 20 knots AND < 25 knots, OR
- Crosswind component > 10 knots AND ≤ 15 knots
Pilots Authorized: Private, Commercial, Instrument, CFI
Pilots Restricted: Student pilots
Rationale: Student pilots have limited experience with higher winds and crosswind corrections.
3. Commercial/Instrument Only (Yellow)
Indicator: Yellow background (#fff3cd)
Border: Yellow/gold (#ffc107)
Conditions: Student and Private pilots restricted due to high wind conditions
Restricting Factors:
- Wind speed ≥ 25 knots AND < 30 knots, OR
- Crosswind component > 15 knots AND ≤ 20 knots
Pilots Authorized: Commercial, Instrument, CFI
Pilots Restricted: Student and Private pilots
Rationale: High winds require advanced skills typically developed during commercial or instrument training.
4. All Flights Restricted (Red)
Indicator: Red background (#f8d7da)
Border: Dark red (#dc3545)
Conditions: All pilots restricted due to severe or hazardous conditions
Restricting Factors (any one triggers this status):
- Wind speed ≥ 30 knots
- Wind gusts ≥ 30 knots
- Crosswind component > 20 knots
- Cloud ceiling < 1,500 ft AGL
- Visibility < 3 statute miles
- Heat index ≥ 105°F
- Temperature ≤ 5°F
Pilots Authorized: None (flight operations suspended)
Pilots Restricted: All pilot categories
Rationale: Conditions are too severe for safe flight training operations regardless of experience level.
Emoji Indicators
Restricting factors are displayed with intuitive emoji indicators:
| Emoji | Factor Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 🌬️ | Wind/Crosswind | “🌬️ 26 knots” or “🌬️ Crosswind 18.2 knots” |
| ☁️ | Cloud Ceiling | “☁️ Ceiling 1200 ft” |
| 👁️ | Visibility | “👁️ Visibility 2.0 SM” |
| 🌡️ | Heat Index | “🌡️ Heat Index 108°F” |
| ❄️ | Cold Temperature | “❄️ Temperature 2°F” |
Decision Logic
The system evaluates conditions in the following order:
- Check for All Flights Restricted conditions (most restrictive)
- Winds ≥ 30kt, gusts ≥ 30kt, crosswind > 20kt
- Ceiling < 1,500ft, visibility < 3 SM
- Heat index ≥ 105°F or temperature ≤ 5°F
- Check for Commercial/Instrument Only conditions
- Winds ≥ 25kt AND < 30kt
- Crosswind > 15kt AND ≤ 20kt
- Check for Private+ Only conditions
- Winds ≥ 20kt AND < 25kt
- Crosswind > 10kt AND ≤ 15kt
- Default to All Pilots Clear
- No restricting factors present
- Add temperature restrictions (independent of wind/visibility)
- Applied in addition to above restrictions
- Displayed with appropriate emoji indicators
Multiple Restricting Factors
When multiple restricting factors are present, all are displayed in the flight status card. The overall status is determined by the most restrictive factor.
Example: If wind speed is 26 knots AND crosswind is 18 knots:
- Status: Commercial/Instrument Only
- Display: “Restricting factors: 🌬️ 26 knots, 🌬️ Crosswind 18.0 knots”
Example with Temperature: If wind speed is 22 knots AND temperature is 18°F:
- Status: Private+ Only
- Display: “Restricting factors: 🌬️ 22 knots, ❄️ Temperature 18°F - Preheat required”
Implementation Notes
- Flight status is recalculated every time weather data is updated (every 5 minutes)
- The most restrictive condition always takes precedence
- Temperature restrictions are evaluated independently but can upgrade the overall status
- All thresholds are applied consistently across both dashboards (dashboard.html and dashboard5.html)
- The demo page shows 11 scenarios demonstrating all restriction levels
Related Documentation:
- Wind Restrictions
- Visibility and Ceiling Restrictions
- Temperature Restrictions
- Demo Page - Interactive examples of all scenarios