Bumpy Skies | What is Airplane Turbulence?
The excitement of soaring through the clouds and heading on a new adventure, can be quickly disrupted by the dreaded airplane turbulence.
That sudden drop, the unsettling shaking, and the white-knuckled grip on the armrests – it's enough to make even the most seasoned traveler feel uneasy. But it's really not as scary as it seems.
Learn more about airplane turbulence, separate fact from fiction, and navigate bumpy skies with confidence.
What is Turbulence?
Imagine air as a vast, invisible ocean. Just like the ocean, air can experience currents, eddies, and pockets of varying temperatures.
These variations in air movement cause turbulence, which causes the feeling of the airplane being bumped, bounced, or shaken.
Turbulence can occur at any altitude, though it's more frequent during ascent and descent due to the changing air pressure.
Types of Turbulence
Clear-Air Turbulence: This invisible and often unpredictable type of turbulence occurs in areas with contrasting air temperatures or wind speeds. It can be quite jolting and is the main cause of airplane turbulence.
Convective Turbulence: Associated with rising warm air and sinking cool air, convective turbulence feels like bumpy updrafts and downdrafts. It's most common near thunderstorms and cumulus clouds.
Wake Turbulence: Encountered behind larger aircraft, wake turbulence feels like a series of quick bumps or rolls. Pilots are trained to avoid the wake turbulence of other airplanes by maintaining a safe distance.
Is Turbulence Dangerous?
While turbulence can make you feel uneasy, it's important to understand that airplanes are incredibly strong and designed to withstand even severe turbulence.
Modern aircraft undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can handle significant bumps without putting your safety at risk.
Pilots are also highly trained in managing turbulence and can use various techniques to help minimize passenger discomfort.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that turbulence is a contributing factor in less than 1% of all airplane accidents.
In fact, the vast majority of turbulence events are considered mild to moderate, causing no danger to the aircraft or passengers.
Coping with Turbulence
While turbulence can't be entirely prevented, there are ways to manage your anxiety and make sure you can stay comfortable and happy on your flight.
Ask your flight attendant about current weather conditions and potential turbulence. Knowing what to expect can alleviate some anxiety.
Always keep your seatbelt fastened, even when the seatbelt sign is off. This is especially important during turbulence to avoid injuries from sudden drops.
Deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage anxiety during turbulence.
Focus on aspects of the flight you can control, like choosing calming music or reading a book.
Talking to your neighbor, watching a movie, or playing a game can distract you from the turbulence.
In rare instances, severe turbulence can occur. If you experience extreme shaking, hear loud noises, or witness oxygen masks dropping, follow the crew's instructions immediately. These situations are highly uncommon, but it's important to be prepared.