🌬️ Turbulence: all down to a bit of unruly air ☁️
In practical terms, turbulence consists of rapid changes in the movement of the air. Instead of gliding as if on aerial rails, the aeroplane passes through areas where the air rises, falls or swirls… It’s a bit like driving along a bumpy road.
It can occur for several reasons:
- Terrain: when air has to flow round a mountain, it becomes distorted and creates turbulent waves (this is the case around the Alps, for example).
- Jet streams (also known as high-altitude currents): these large, very fast-moving rivers of air at high altitude can cause turbulence when the aeroplane moves from a stable current into a more turbulent one.
- Thunderstorms: with their cumulonimbus clouds, they churn the air in all directions. This is why pilots take great care to avoid them using the aircraft’s weather radar.
- Wake turbulence: a large aeroplane flying ahead of yours leaves behind vortices of air, much like the wake of a boat.
🧑✈️ Pilots are never caught off guard
Turbulence is never a surprise. Thanks to a combination of detailed weather forecasts, on-board radar and communication between aircraft via air traffic control, pilots often know what to expect.
Before every flight, a weather briefing analyses potential areas of turbulence along the route. In flight, if a turbulent patch is on the horizon, they can adjust their altitude or slightly alter the route to avoid it.
And when that isn’t possible? They alert the crew, switch on the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign and adopt a more comfortable speed. Nothing is left to chance 🛫.
🛬 Is it dangerous for the aeroplane?
No. An aeroplane is designed to withstand much more severe turbulence than what you experience on board. The wings, for example, are capable of flexing without breaking. This is factored in during their design. An Airbus or an ATR (such as those used by Chalair) can easily withstand these fluctuations in airflow without any structural risk.
However, it is unrestrained passengers and loose objects that can cause injury. That’s why it’s recommended to keep your seatbelt fastened, even when the ‘fasten seatbelts’ sign is off. A simple but essential habit.
💺 What to do in the event of turbulence 🌬️? Switch to ‘zen’ mode
There’s no need to panic. Even though it may feel uncomfortable, remember that turbulence is neither dangerous nor unusual.
Here are a few tips to help you cope better:
- Stay seated and fastened in as much as possible.
- Breathe slowly if you start to feel anxious: your body will respond.
- Avoid alcohol or coffee, which can increase stress and the feeling of nausea.
- Distract yourself: a film, a book or some relaxing music – anything to take your mind off things.
And above all, trust the crew: they’re trained to deal with any situation.
Will turbulence 🌀 get worse as a result of climate change?
Yes, according to several studies, so-called ‘clear-sky’ turbulence – the kind that occurs without any visible clouds – is on the rise, particularly on transatlantic routes. This is due to an intensification of jet streams caused by global warming.
But rest assured: airlines such as Chalair Aviation are adapting, thanks to continuous improvements in forecasting tools and crew training.
🛫 Flying with confidence: a final word
Next time you feel the plane shake, bear in mind that turbulence is simply part of the journey. It’s normal, expected, and poses no danger to the aircraft. A slight discomfort, certainly, but nothing to get worked up about at an altitude of 10,000 metres.
Why not take a look at our destinations from your region? Whether it’s for a business trip or a relaxing getaway, the sky remains your ally… even when it’s a bit of a rollercoaster ride. 😉