Additionally, turbulence isn’t going to bring your flight down, even though it sometimes feels like it’s might. So sit back, relax and enjoy this informative article. (If you happen to be reading it while you’re actually on a plane, make sure to buckle that seat belt as well!)
Why Do Planes Experience Turbulence?
As any pilot will tell you, all sorts of things can cause turbulence—including some you might not expect. For example, while the hot air that rises off thunderstorm clouds can result in what’s called “thermal turbulence,” some of the worst turbulence results in flying through fluffy cumulonimbus clouds, which look pretty innocuous indeed from ground level.
Another type of turbulence that manifests in seemingly good weather is named as such—”clear-air turbulence” usually occurs along the jet stream, and since there’s no underlying weather (such as rain) it can be difficult to anticipate. Furthermore, certain geographical features (such as high mountains like the Rockies and Andes) can lead to turbulent conditions, even at cruising altitude.
Can Turbulence Bring a Plane Down?
The good news, regardless of what causes turbulence in the case of your flight, is that it’s unlikely to bring your plane down. In fact, with the exception of a Boeing 707 that flew too close to Japan’s Mt. Fuji in the 1960s, turbulence has never brought an airplane down, at least not on its own.
This is not to say that bad weather, more generally, can’t be devastating. Thunderstorms, at least in the intertropical convergence zone near the equator, have been blamed for two crashes in the past decade. On the other hand, turbulence is not believed to have played a role in the crash of 737 MAX 8 jets from Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines—and neither is weather. Both planes flew through clear, calm skies!
How to Protect Yourself During Turbulence
Your plane won’t crash during turbulence, so it’s not dangerous, right? Wrong! Turbulence can cause damage to people and objects inside an airplane—if they’re not secured. The first and most important way to protect yourself during turbulence is to fasten your seatbelt at all times when seated. You should also be ready to secure loose articles (and hot beverages!) at a moment’s notice.
Of course, since what causes turbulence can be difficult to predict, it can be difficult to anticipate. As a result, you should limit the number of items you have out at any given time during the flight, especially while sleeping or otherwise un-alert. Likewise, you should only move about the aircraft when absolutely necessary—and always keep an eye out for something to grab onto!
Other Things to Know About Turbulence
While turbulence can occur anywhere in the world and on any flight route, some flight routes have become notorious for being bumpy. Of course, these reputations are often based more in internet infamy than scientific fact, so keep this in mind before you go freaking yourself out! Your next Istanbul to New York flight, for example, is unlikely to be devastatingly turbulent.
Another thing that might calm when you thinking about turbulence? Most of the danger involved with flying (and flying is very safe in the modern era, in general) occurs not at cruising altitude (where turbulence tends to manifest itself) but during take-off and landing. This means that as pretty as it is, snow technically presents more danger to air travel than very rough air.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever wondered what causes turbulence, you’re now a lot clearer on the subject. You’re also probably less scared (if you were before, that is)—turbulence won’t bring modern aircraft down. This is not to say, of course, that turbulence can’t be dangerous. Fasten your seatbelt at all times when seated, because you never know when turbulence will strike. Browse Skyscanner flights below to get inspiration for your next trip!
