American Airlines raises plane limits for extreme Phoenix heat

American Airlines is taking a proactive approach with the extreme temperatures in Phoenix.

In June 2017, over 50 American Eagle regional flights were canceled due to temperatures reaching above 117 degrees.

The flights were operated by Mesa Airlines and SkyWest Airlines, which operate the Bombardier CRJ 700/900 aircraft. Due to regulations, the aircraft could not depart Phoenix if the temperature was over 117.86 degrees.

Within the past year, American worked with Bombardier and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure that when the temperature rises, planes can still take off. 

After a 10-month process, the new operating limit for the Bombardier CRJ aircraft is 123.8 degrees. 

2017 limits:

• Airbus aircraft: 127 degrees
• Boeing aircraft: 126 degrees
• Bombardier CRJ regional aircraft: 117.86 degrees

2018 limits:

• Airbus aircraft: 127 degrees
• Boeing aircraft: 126 degrees
• Bombardier CRJ regional aircraft: 123.8 degrees