Air turbulence: An unforeseen event to be mastered
Air turbulence is a fact of air travel, often dreaded by passengers. Although they can be a cause for concern, they are a natural phenomenon and generally well managed by modern aviation. Understanding their origins and knowing how to react is essential to travel with peace of mind.
Flywest sheds some light on the subject, so that you can better cope with turbulence on your next flight.
Understanding the causes of turbulence
Clear-sky turbulence (CAT)
Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is one of the most difficult types of turbulence to anticipate. They occur outside clouds, at high altitude, often in areas of strong winds such as the jet stream. These fast-moving air currents create shears and instabilities that generate shocks. Civil aviation has developed detection and forecasting systems to better cope with them.
Weather-related turbulence
Thunderstorms, cold or warm fronts and unstable air masses are other major sources of turbulence. Cumulonimbus clouds are particularly notorious for generating violent and unpredictable air movements, affecting both aircraft flying close to them and those passing through their areas of influence. Flight crews are trained to detect these clouds and systematically fly around them.
Wake turbulence
When an aircraft flies, it creates vortices of air behind its wings, known as wake turbulence. These eddies, which are more pronounced with heavier aircraft, can persist for some time. Air traffic control imposes separation distances between aircraft to prevent following aircraft from encountering this turbulence. This is a standard safety measure to ensure a safe approach and take-off.
The impact of turbulence on passengers and aircraft
Injuries: a real but avoidable risk
Severe turbulence can cause the aircraft to move abruptly. Without a seatbelt fastened, passengers can be thrown towards the ceiling or against the seats, causing injury. Flywest reminds you of the crucial importance of **remaining buckled up as soon as the warning light indicates**, and even during apparently calm phases of flight, to minimize this risk. Cabin service carts can also represent a danger if not secured.
Aircraft safety: an absolute priority
Modern aircraft, like the Boeing 737 MAX mentioned in a recent news item, are designed to withstand forces far in excess of those encountered during turbulent episodes. Structures are robust, and navigation and control systems enable pilots to maintain aircraft stability. In the event of severe turbulence, the standard procedure is to slow down, adjust altitude and, if necessary, declare an emergency to divert to a safer airport, as was the case for the Ryanair flight to Tenerife.
Airline and air traffic control management of turbulence
Anticipation and information
Thanks to technological advances, weather forecasts and pilot reports can be used to anticipate risk areas. Communication systems between aircraft and with air traffic control provide real-time information on flight conditions. Crews receive alerts, enabling them to choose the safest routes.
Emergency procedures and detour
When turbulence poses a risk to passenger safety, pilots are able to declare an emergency, indicated by code 7700 on the transponder. This procedure enables them to obtain priority and assistance from air traffic control for an emergency landing or diversion. The return to Birmingham of a Ryanair Boeing 737 MAX illustrates the reactivity of airlines and crews to ensure safety.
Tips for a worry-free flight
To minimize the discomfort and risks associated with turbulence, Flywest strongly recommends following these safety instructions. **Fastening your seatbelt as soon as you settle into your seat and keeping it fastened** is the most effective measure. Listening carefully to crew announcements and complying with their instructions also ensures a safer and more enjoyable flying experience. Cabin crews are trained to handle these situations and keep passengers fully informed.
With a better understanding of this natural phenomenon, travelers can approach their flights with greater peace of mind, knowing that their safety is the airline industry's top priority.
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