What equipment must be installed in large transport category aircraft engaged in passenger-carrying operations?

In large transport category aircraft engaged in passenger-carrying operations, the installation of airborne weather radar is essential for several reasons. Primarily, it provides critical situational awareness to the flight crew regarding weather conditions along the flight path, enabling them to detect and avoid turbulence, severe thunderstorms, and other hazardous weather phenomena. This enhances safety by allowing for more informed decision-making regarding route alterations and altitude changes to maintain a smooth flight and protect passenger comfort.

While options such as oxygen masks for passengers, ground proximity warning systems, and self-evacuation slides are indeed important components of aircraft safety and passenger protection, they address different aspects. For instance, oxygen masks are primarily for use at high altitudes where cabin pressure may be compromised, while ground proximity warning systems are focused on terrain avoidance during approach and landing. Self-evacuation slides are vital for emergency evacuations, but they do not contribute to active in-flight safety in terms of weather avoidance. Therefore, airborne weather radar stands out as a critical piece of equipment for the proactive management of flight safety in relation to changing weather conditions throughout the duration of passenger operations.