Airplane turbulence is the irregular, often unpredictable movement of air that can affect an aircraft during flight. It can manifest as sudden bumps, shakes, or jolts experienced by passengers and crew on board. Turbulence is caused by a variety of factors, including the following.
Clear Air Turbulence (CAT)
This type of turbulence occurs at high altitudes in clear, cloudless skies. It’s often associated with the jet stream, a fast-moving air current. CAT is common on long-haul flights.
Airplane Turbulence – Convective Turbulence
This turbulence is caused by rising and falling air within thunderstorms or cumulonimbus clouds. It’s typically associated with cumulus clouds and can be more intense and localized.
Mountain Wave Turbulence
When wind encounters mountains, it can create turbulence on the leeward side of the mountain. This is common near mountainous regions.
Wake Airplane Turbulence
Large aircraft generate swirling vortices behind them, which can affect smaller planes flying in their wake. Air traffic control takes precautions to avoid this when sequencing aircraft for landing and takeoff.
Mechanical Turbulence
This type of turbulence can be caused by factors like wind blowing over buildings, trees, or other structures near the airport.
Final Thoughts
Turbulence can range from mild to severe, but it’s usually not a cause for concern. Modern aircraft are built to withstand turbulence, and pilots are trained to navigate through it safely. Passengers are encouraged to keep their seatbelts fastened, as turbulence can sometimes be unexpected, and this helps prevent injuries due to sudden jolts. Despite the discomfort it might cause, turbulence is a normal part of air travel and rarely poses a serious threat to the safety of the flight.
