Why is it important to limit ground operations to specific ambient temperatures?

Limiting ground operations to specific ambient temperatures is crucial primarily to prevent structural damage. Aircraft materials and structures are engineered to withstand specific temperature ranges during operation. When aircraft are exposed to extreme temperatures, especially during ground operations, various components such as the airframe, control surfaces, and engine components can experience thermal stresses that exceed safe limits. This can lead to issues like cracking, warping, or other forms of degradation, ultimately compromising the aircraft's structural integrity and safety.

While other considerations like optimizing fuel efficiency and maintaining engine performance are important, the immediate concern during ground operations under extreme temperatures is the protection of the aircraft’s structure. Instruments are designed to operate across a wide range of temperatures, so while temperature anomalies can affect performance, they are typically secondary to the potential for structural compromise in ensuring the aircraft's safety during ground operations.