Turbulence Explained, and Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared

For a handful of people on an average flight, turbulence seems like a life-threatening nightmare. Although the feeling of turbulence is extremely uncomfortable, it’s rarely a dangerous circumstance. The aircraft dispatching professionals from Sheffield, our aviation school in Fort Lauderdale, delve into the causes of airplane turbulence and why flyers shouldn’t be scared of it.

What Is Turbulence?

In so many words, it’s the drink spiller, the luggage shaker, the nerve jerker. Turbulence occurs when an airplane hits a strong wind current that can push or pull the plane. Most commercial jets fly high enough to avoid these wind patterns, but gusts can happen at any altitude. There are different types of turbulence an aircraft may experience.

What Causes Airplane Turbulence?

Many environmental factors contribute to airplane turbulence, but the number one factor that causes turbulence is a change in the atmosphere. The following are also common causes of turbulence in an aircraft:

Thermals

When the heat of the sun triggers thermals, or pockets of hot air, to rise and interact with the current winds in flight, it can create a bumpy ride. Thermals act as obstructions to normal wind currents that need to move away from it, causing turbulence.

Wake Turbulence from Other Aircraft

Wake turbulence occurs when an airplane passes by another airplane or helicopter and gets caught in the other aircraft’s wake. Bigger planes result in bigger wakes; smaller planes are more vulnerable if they run into one – which is why there’s a set of rules stating the minimum distance there must be between two aircraft.

Wind at Lower Altitudes

Closer to the ground, the wind is subject to friction, and its flow is affected by the Earth’s surface and everything on it. The wind is not as straight and steady on the ground; variations in direction and speed can cause turbulence at low levels.

Mountains

Air can steer upwards when it encounters tall mountains, causing airplane turbulence.

How Do Pilots Detect Turbulence?

An onboard weather radar highlights area where there’s heavy rainfall. Typically, the larger the raindrops, the bigger the cloud, and the more turbulent it will be inside the cloud. Pilots can fly through the cloud or fly around it.

When pilots fly into turbulence, they are most likely doing their best to remove the plane from the situation. The feeling of flight turbulence isn’t just uncomfortable for the passengers, but the flight crew feels it as well.

Is Turbulence Dangerous?

Unfortunately, turbulence is responsible for 1/3 of all weather-related aircraft accidents. While severe turbulence can be difficult to manage, it’s rarely very serious. Pilots are well-trained and able to handle these situations, not to mention that planes are built study and can withstand these rough patches.

How to Handle Turbulence

1. Reserve a seat near the center of the plane.
2. Safely stow away your luggage.
3. Use the restroom before takeoff.
4. Make sure your seatbelt is fastened and fits comfortably.
5. Keep calm during episodes of airplane turbulence.

Despite the fears many people have about flying, professional aircraft dispatchers and the entire flight crew on board are well trained to handle the situation and ensure everyone’s safety. Remembering this key information from our South Florida aeronautics school can keep the fear of airplane turbulence at bay. If you’d like to learn more about airplane turbulence or have questions on how to become an aircraft dispatcher, contact a member of our team at 954-581-6022 today!

*Post updated February 28, 2020*