Everything you need to know about air turbulence

Many people have experienced a flight suddenly shaking while flying thousands of feet above the ground.  It can feel as if the airplane has hit a large bump in the sky, leaving passengers frightened. This is called air turbulence a common part of air travel that is usually harmless but can sometimes be severe.

What causes turbulence?

Airplanes fly through different layers of moving air called air currents.  When the speed or direction of these air currents changes suddenly the aircraft passes through rough air causing it to shake.

This is known as turbulence.

Aviation experts say that most turbulence is mild and modern airplanes are built to handle forces much stronger than those experienced during normal flights.

In most cases turbulence does not cause an aircraft to crash. The biggest risk is to passengers who are not wearing their seat belts.

Types of air turbulence

There are several types of turbulence

Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) This is one of the hardest types to predict because it happens in clear skies and often cannot be detected by weather radar.

It usually occurs between 30,000 and 40,000 feet due to fast moving jet streams.

Wake Turbulence.

This happens when a large aircraft leaves powerful swirling air behind it and another plane flies through it.

Thermal turbulence On hot days warm air rises from the ground. If an aircraft flies through these rising air currents passengers may feel bumps.

Frontal turbulence This occurs when warm and cold air masses meet often during storms rain or cloudy weather.

Can turbulence be dangerous?

Turbulence is usually more dangerous for people than for the airplane itself.

Passengers who are standing or not wearing seat belts can be thrown from their seats and may suffer injuries to the head neck or bones.

Strong turbulence can also cause luggage food carts and other loose items inside the cabin to move around increasing the risk of injury.

Some passengers may also experience fear or anxiety during the shaking.

In rare cases pilots may change the flight path or make a precautionary landing if the turbulence is unusually severe.

How to stay safe

Aviation experts recommend keeping your seat belt fastened whenever you are seated even if the seat belt sign is off. This is the best way to stay safe if unexpected turbulence occurs.

Scientists also say that climate change may be increasing the number of clear air turbulence events in some parts of the world.

To improve safety airlines use advanced weather forecasts satellite data and warning systems to avoid areas with severe turbulence whenever possible.

Although turbulence can feel frightening experts stress that modern aircraft are designed to withstand very strong air movements.

Staying calm following the crew’s instructions and keeping your seat belt fastened are the best ways to stay safe during a turbulent flight.