🌬️ Turbulence: a matter of rebellious air currents ☁️
In concrete terms, turbulence is a rapid change in air movement. Instead of gliding along like an overhead track, the aircraft passes through zones where the air rises, falls and swirls... It's a bit like driving along a bumpy road.
They can occur for a number of reasons:
- Relief: when air has to go around a mountain, it deforms and creates turbulent waves (this is the case around the Alps, for example).
- Jet streams: these large, fast-moving rivers of air at altitude can cause the aircraft to jerk as it moves from a stable stream to a more turbulent one.
- Thunderstorms: with their share of cumulonimbus clouds, they stir the air in every direction. That's why pilots carefully avoid them, thanks to on-board weather radar.
- Wake turbulence: a large aircraft in front of you leaves behind swirls of air, rather like the eddies of a boat.
🧑✈️ Pilots are never caught off guard
Turbulence is never a surprise. Thanks to a combination of fine weather forecasts, on-board radar and exchanges between aircraft via air traffic control, pilots often know what to expect.
Before each flight, a weather briefing analyzes potential areas of turbulence on the route. In flight, if a turbulent zone appears, they can adapt their altitude or slightly modify the route to avoid it.
And when that's not possible? They warn the crew, activate the "fasten seatbelt" signal and adopt a more comfortable speed. Nothing is left to chance 🛫.
🛬 Is it dangerous for the plane?
No. An airplane is designed to withstand much more severe turbulence than you feel on board. The wings, for example, are capable of bending without breaking. This was foreseen at the design stage. An Airbus or an ATR (like those used by Chalair) can perfectly withstand these flow variations without structural risk.
On the other hand, it's unbelted passengers and misplaced objects that can cause injury. That's why we recommend you keep your seatbelt fastened, even when the signal is switched off. A simple but essential reflex.
💺 What to do in case of turbulence 🌬️? Zen mode activated
There's no need to panic. Although the sensation may be uncomfortable, remember that turbulence is neither dangerous nor unusual.
Here are a few tips to help you cope:
- Stay seated and restrained as much as possible.
- Breathe slowly if you feel anxious: your body is listening.
- Avoid alcohol and coffee, which can increase stress and nausea.
- Distract yourself with a film, a book or some relaxing music.
Above all, trust the crew: they are trained to deal with any situation.
Will turbulence 🌀 get worse with climate change?
Yes, according to several studies, so-called "clear-sky" turbulence - that is, turbulence appearing without visible clouds - is on the increase, particularly on transatlantic routes. This is due to the intensification of jet streams as a result of global warming.
But rest assured: airlines like Chalair Aviation are adapting, thanks to the continuous improvement of forecasting tools and crew training.
🛫 Flying with confidence: the final word
The next time you feel the plane vibrate, remember that turbulence is simply part of the journey. It's normal, anticipated and poses no danger to the aircraft. A slight discomfort, to be sure, but nothing that justifies seeing red at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
Take a look at our destinations from your region? Whether on a business trip or a relaxing getaway, the sky is your ally... even when it's a bit of a rollercoaster 😉