Everything You Need to Know about Airplane Turbulence

Traveling by airplane seems to be an amazing experience. Flying over the clouds, where you can see entire cities below, is truly breathtaking. But it might not always be so. It is natural for some people to feel uneasy and anxious in the air. Imagine flying 30,000 – 40,000 feet above the ground, and suddenly your airplane starts shaking. It will definitely cause you panic if you are not aware of such situations. You might instantly suppose that you are going down, taking it to be a life-threatening nightmare. 

Surprisingly, this is a very common phenomenon. The shaking of the aircraft is airplane turbulence. This can happen due to various reasons. In this guide, you will get complete insights into what this turbulence is, why and how it happens. And most importantly, how you should react if you face something similar. 

What Causes Airplane Turbulence​?

Turbulence is the disruption of an airflow, which enables an aircraft to fly. It can vary in intensity, producing slight to major shifts in altitude and airspeed. Aircraft use their motion in order to fly steadily, but irregularities in airflow can form air pockets, which cause turbulence. These air pockets might result in an abrupt loss of altitude. 

Most commercial planes fly above these wind patterns; however, winds can occur at any height. It is one of the most unexpected weather-related events and is important for pilots. During turbulence on airplane, the aircraft may shake from side to side or move like a car on a bumpy road. A typical sensation during this occurrence is that the plane is descending. But most people do not travel frequently enough to become familiar with the intricacies of air movement. Although it might be highly uncomfortable, it is rarely a deadly situation. 

The extent to which the object is affected by these changes determines how passengers perceive them. A vortex must be about the size of the thing it affects in order to be apparent. We don’t see these vortices on the ground since the wind isn’t usually strong enough to knock someone down. 
With the airplane turbulence explained, you may want to know how and why it happens. Turbulence can occur for several reasons, including airflow across mountains and weather shifts caused by adjacent storms. Clear-air turbulence occurs when cold and warm air masses clash, causing varying impacts on aircraft. This ranges from minor to severe and dramatic. Other causes of turbulence include temperature inversion and mechanical turbulence. Let’s know about why does turbulence happen​ in a little detail:

Thermals

The heat of the sun causes thermals, or hot air pockets, to rise and interact with the prevailing winds in flight. This can result in a rough ride. Thermals operate as barriers to typical wind currents, which must travel around them, resulting in turbulence. 

Wind at Lower Altitudes

Can flying lower cause more turbulence​? When near the ground, the wind experiences friction, and its movement is influenced by the Earth’s surface and all the objects present on it. Therefore, since the wind is not as straight and consistent on the ground, fluctuations in direction and speed can generate turbulence at low altitudes. 

Wake Turbulence 

When an airplane passes another plane or helicopter and is caught in the latter’s wake, it causes wake turbulence. Bigger planes produce larger wakes; smaller planes are more susceptible if they collide, which is why there are laws governing the minimum distance between two aircraft. Wake turbulence avoidance​ significantly improves flight safety, particularly near larger airplanes, by flying higher and upwind of the previous aircraft’s flight path.

Mountains

Tall mountains may cause aviation turbulence by steering the air higher. When the wind and peak landscape interact, they generate mountain turbulence, which emerges as mechanical turbulence and mountain waves. Strong winds push waves upward, resulting in turbulent air currents. The uneven surface of hills causes friction with airflow, resulting in mechanical turbulence, particularly on the leeward side. 

What Clouds Have the Greatest Turbulence​?

Along with other factors, clouds are a primary cause of turbulence. But not all of these clouds create the same impact on the aircraft. Some can cause just a mild effect, while others can be notorious. These are:

Cumulonimbus clouds: The majority of turbulence experienced by planes is caused by cumulonimbus clouds, which are black, vertical, soaring clouds with a flat top. They arise when powerful updrafts of warm, moist air rise to high altitudes and cool, causing moisture to condense into clouds. The high winds inside these clouds, which can reach speeds of 100 mph, cause severe turbulence that can knock planes off course.

Stratus clouds: Stratus clouds, or flat, low-lying clouds, are often associated with continuous weather conditions like light rain or drizzle. They can cause significant turbulence if they are thick and extend upwards onto the path of flight, but they can also impede vision, preventing takeoff and landing.

Cirrus clouds: Cirrus clouds, also known as high-altitude ice crystals, are thin, wispy clouds that appear at altitudes ranging from 16,500 to 45,000 feet. They reflect changing atmospheric conditions and are frequently monitored by pilots because they might suggest an impending storm system, potentially creating turbulence. They usually do not generate much turmoil.

Altocumulus clouds: The mid-level clouds, composed of water droplets or ice crystals at varying elevations, are called altocumulus clouds. They frequently appear as white or gray masses, exhibiting waves or ripples in the sky. They can cause significant turbulence, even though they are often not a cause for concern.

Stratocumulus clouds: These clouds are low-level clouds made up of water droplets that look like long, straight lines or spherical masses. They are frequently linked with good weather. They can cause slight turbulence but do not represent a substantial hazard to aviation. 

Airplane Turbulence Safety

Turbulence in flight is a challenging issue that pilots must navigate utilizing weather forecasts, radar returns, and real-time reports from other aircraft. Pilots regularly use these cues to avoid unexpected turbulence, such as rumbling cumulus clouds, mountain ranges, frontal boundaries, and jet stream boundary crossings. However, the outside environment is constantly changing, making it hard to predict the location and intensity of turbulence. Turbulence levels range from “light” to “extreme,” with the most severe encounters demanding post-flight inspections by maintenance workers. Here is what you should consider during any such situation: 

Seatbelt Safety

• Always buckle your seatbelt when seated to prevent injury from sudden jolts.
• Follow safety instructions from crew members and pilots, who are trained to handle turbulence.

Best Seat Location

• The most common question is, “Is there more turbulence in the back of the plane?” Seats over the wings often experience less motion than those in the front or back of the aircraft.
• Choosing a seat near the wings may reduce the impact of turbulence.

Securing Belongings

• Secure carry-on bags, small goods, and large objects.
• Store carry-ons in overhead bins or beneath the seat in front.
• Secure larger items carefully.

Staying Calm

• Remain calm and breathe deeply during turbulence.
• Remind yourself that turbulence is a regular part of flying and that planes are designed to handle it safely.

Cabin Movement

• Limit movement in the cabin during turbulence.
• Use the restroom only when the seatbelt sign is off and conditions are stable.
• If thrown from your seat, use seatbacks or overhead compartments to regain balance. 

Now you might have questions, such as, “Can turbulence bring down a plane​?” The answer to that is – No. Aircraft are built strong enough to withstand enormous forces, and pilots are well-trained to navigate through or around these stormy environments. So, you’ve got nothing to worry about as long as you keep your calm and follow the flight attendant’s instructions. 

Ways to Prepare for Turbulence

Have you got turbulence anxiety or aerophobia? That is, you dread or panic every time your flight gets shaky. Or it might even give you a pit in your stomach to think just of turbulence. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Here are some simple ways to control it: 

• To remain calm amid turbulence, normalize the concept of turbulence and remain focused on the current moment. 
• Choose your seat carefully, avoid coffee and alcohol, and establish a relaxing pre-flight ritual. Download feel-good diversions on your phone, or use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method.
• When turbulence begins, take a deep breath and gradually take small steps to let your body feel safe.
• Name what’s going on without panicking, and utilize physical grounding activities. You can push your feet into the floor, place your palms on the armrests, wiggle your toes, and release your fists. 
• Apply (good) pressure by placing your palm over your heart. Cross your arms and hug yourself. Push your knees together, or use a sweater over your chest or lap to provide comfort.

Watch your favorite comedy, play an absorbing game on your phone, read a light novel, listen to an audiobook or podcast, or journal in a stream-of-consciousness manner. Repeat a relaxing mantra with each breath to help you center yourself and return to the present moment.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of how does turbulence work​, and the ways to calm yourself during such a situation, you can be confident to board your plane. Remember, these flight jitters are a common occurrence, and your aircraft staff is accustomed to handling them. So there is no need to panic, even if you feel scared. Just follow the crew’s instructions and keep this guide nearby for reference to help you relax your body. Excited to fly again against all odds? Don’t forget to check out details at airlinesairportterminals.com  before booking your next flight!

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