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“These men represented the highest caliber of professionalism and integrity. The education I received from these gentleman has afforded me to be gainfully employed while having the opportunity to use the education received, all over this country, and more than a few others.” WG
sidebar wgGood afternoon Eric, I wanted to reach out to let you know that training at (airline) is in full swing and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Sheffield. My classmates, while very smart, definitely had subpar training and that has been very evident. I have waited to write a full scale review of the […]
Attending Sheffield School benefits airline new hires in preparation for airline training“While touring my company’s dispatch department before I had my license our OCC manager pointed out that 7 of the 10 dispatchers on shift had come from Sheffield. The overall consensus was that Sheffield grads were able to hit the ground running as they were better prepared.” K.O.
Sidebar K.O.“Being that half my new hire class dropped out over the course of training, I can confidently say that Sheffield helped to prepare me for the real world.”
GT – abridged testimonial – school selection matters“After receiving my certificate, I joined a class of 4 experienced dispatchers for Part 121 initial training. Without experience, my preparation at Sheffield enabled me to become active at the same time after the initial training.” PR
PR“I entered my profession, with more knowledge and information than dispatchers who have been practicing their craft for more than ten years. Not only has Sheffield provided a top notch education, but they have also instilled in me the confidence to succeed.” A.Z.
Sidebar AZ – Student Testimonial“Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K.
D. Kircher“Going to Sheffield prepared me for the real world challenges of Aircraft Dispatching. I certainly believe that the method Sheffield used is one not only for success in a real world career, but also one that prepares students to correctly dispatch aircraft.” T.Z.
Sidebar TZ“If you want to be the best, first you need to be trained by the best!” P. Hill
P.Hill – DHL“now that I’ve been in an indoctrination class with students from other schools, I know I made the right choice with Sheffield.” Kindest regards, A.R.
All schools are created equal?! yeah…sure ;)“My experience at Sheffield and my exposure to other aircraft dispatchers that did not go to Sheffield has resulted in an awareness of the superior depth and quality of the training provided by the Sheffield instructors.” CD
Sidebar CD“I am a graduate of the Sheffield’s Dispatcher Program. I have been a Captain-Part 121 Airline, Certified Flight/Grnd Instructor, and FAA Designated Check Airman and Sim Instructor (Part 121). From my experience I would rate Sheffield School as outstanding in their field.” PT
PT” I have received 4 (job) offers…many of the interviews I have gotten have been because of my “pedigree”…going to Sheffield. I am amazed at the respect your school has….I am honored to be a graduate. Thank you for all the work you ..!”
Testimonial – J. Ganci“Their reputation of excellence amongst the industry is second to none. Sheffield School of Aeronautics should be seen as the standard of how it can be done and how it should be done. I was hired at a major airline with no dispatch experience.” A.Z.
Sidebar AZ“I am a month into my new job at a airline coming out of reorganization, and am helping the training department by referencing the excellent and up to date course book provided to all Sheffield grads.” RW
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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
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*