Causes of Flight Turbulence

Air turbulence, the unsettling air disturbance that occurs during flights, often feels like driving over a bumpy road, leading to many questions from curious passengers.

Reasons for Aircraft Turbulence

Passengers on airplanes routinely encounter disruptions in the air, causing aircraft to jolt, shake, or even experience momentary free falls. Although this inherent issue frequently occurs in flights, not every journey experiences it.

So, what is turbulence? Is it genuinely hazardous? Why does this flight feel more turbulent than others on the same route? Here are insights from Sun regarding this phenomenon.

What causes turbulence during flights?

Air turbulence, at its core, signifies a change in the air that can jostle an airborne aircraft in the sky. A flight may encounter turbulence multiple times or not at all. Various types of turbulence can occur during a flight, from Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) to Wake Turbulence.

Clear Air Turbulence involves chaotic movement of air under clear, smooth sky conditions. This phenomenon typically occurs when an aircraft transitions from an area with fast-moving winds to a region with slow or opposing winds. It is the most common type of turbulence.

Typically, pilots will try to avoid these areas (if flying into a headwind) or use them (if flying with a tailwind) to reduce fuel consumption.

Airflow turbulence arises from swirling winds. Giant aircraft like the A380 often generate massive wake turbulence when flying at higher altitudes, affecting aircraft flying at lower altitudes. A notable example is on March 22, 2017, when a Bombardier Challenger 604 experienced a free fall of over 3,000 meters and almost crashed after encountering the wake turbulence of an Airbus A380 flying above, causing complete loss of control.

Is this turbulence dangerous?

Answering on Ask the Pilot, pilot and author of Cockpit Confidential Patrick Smith states that turbulence is relatively common and usually harmless. It provides passengers with an uncomfortable experience but does not pose a risk of crashing the aircraft. Sometimes, when entering turbulent areas, you may feel like the aircraft is in free fall or turbulence. However, in reality, your aircraft remains completely safe.

In general, airplanes may experience shaking and jolting, akin to a car driving over a bumpy road. In worse cases, many passengers or flight attendants may be tossed upward, risking injury if seat belts are not fastened. This emphasizes why flight attendants always stress the importance of wearing seat belts and remaining seated during turbulence, except when using the restroom.

How do pilots handle turbulence?

Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is invisible to the naked eye and undetectable on radar. Pilots often rely on reports from other aircraft. For the most part, airplanes can withstand any turbulence. Nevertheless, pilots consistently signal passengers to fasten seat belts as a precaution.

The primary goal of pilots is passenger comfort. Therefore, they often slow down or seek to avoid any turbulent airways: attempting to fly higher (if the aircraft allows) or lower (which burns more fuel and may lead to other adverse conditions). Pilots may choose to fly directly into turbulent areas, but at a slower-than-normal speed. Most captains will try to steer clear of turbulence-prone zones, such as near a thunderstorm.

Which seat position on an airplane is least affected?

Patrick suggests that the most comfortable seat is near the wings of the airplane. The bumpiest section is typically towards the back, near the tail of the aircraft.

As per Anh Minh/ Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour