It’s time to talk more about the dreaded ‘T’ word …….. Turbulence.
The subject is fresh in my mind due to a rather large bruise on my leg that I have acquired after flying into sudden moderate turbulence yesterday. I fell into an armrest and gave myself a nice dead leg. It’s all part of the job.
My description above may sound severe, and dramatic. But it really wasn’t! Despite it being some of the worst turbulence I’ve experienced, I was never in danger.
It’s very rare that the cabin crew will sit down during turbulence. Mainly due to the fact that we experience it regularly, and have learned how to stay on our feet! We are usually busy checking that passengers are ok during this time, as we are all aware that many of you fear turbulence.
However, this particular occasion forced me to sit down for my own safety. As we patiently waited for some calm air, I put myself into the position of a nervous flyer. I started to imagine how you would be feeling in this position.
To help you as much as I can, I really need to understand what is going through your mind (that’s why I encourage you to contact me!). I do understand why you are scared or apprehensive during turbulence. To anyone that does not understand what turbulence really is it can feel as though the plane is in danger.
So, I urge you to read my previous article where I explain what turbulence is – and why it’s definitely NOT dangerous – unless you are drinking a hot cup of coffee without a lid!
Click here to read “Fear of Flying: Turbulence“
Happy flying…….
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- Media Reports of Continental Flight 128: Severe Turbulence Ok, as I have said over and over again here, turbulence is not dangerous as long as you are following the guidelines and have your...
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
I am reading your 9th Jan posting about turbulence and write to you about my fear. I am an on off fear of flying flyer! I find long hauls are usually more smoother than short (not sure why!)….The thing that worries me about turbalance is (I think) the fear the plane will fall out of the sky or tipso far over that it will spiral out of control.
We are about to book a long haul to Mexico, part of me is screaming inside! but part is saying it will be over before I know it. I just wish I did not feel like this. I so feel for people that are so much worse than me!
I look at flight attendance and always think to myself, well if it was that dangerous they would have been asked to sit down, even when the seat belt sign may be on. What is turbulence? and why should I not fear the flight.
Good luck with the site.
Donna
It is my understanding that the plane that recently went down in S. America was due to turbulence. Is this true?
Thank you,
Margaret
Donna,
I’m so sorry for the late reply. The simplest way to describe turbulence is to directly compare it to the behaviour of water. Near jetstreams (which control our weather) there are many ‘streams’ of air joining together which can cause the air to be disturbed slightly.
In hot weather, the air rises before falling again. This also causes turbulence at lower altitudes.
There are many forms of turbulence, but the important point is that it is NOT dangerous to the aircraft. The plane barely moves an inch in each direction – even though it may feel much more.
It is IMPOSSIBLE for turbulence to cause an airliner to tip and spiral out of control.
It is very rare that the Flight Attendants are asked to sit down during turbulence. Even if they are (it has happened twice in my career so far), then this is merely to protect the crew from injury. It does not mean the aircraft is in danger.
It’s important to note that during turbulence, the pilots are NOT fighting to control the aircraft. The autopilot will handle it perfectly ok. Usually a higher or lower altitude will be requested to see if it is smoother. If not, pilots will generally slow down. This is similar to driving slowly over speed bumps, making the ride smoother.
Airlines will always try to make the journey as comfortable as possible for you.
Margaret,
Do you mean the Air France incident? If so, media reports insinuated that thunderstorms and turbulence was the cause of the incident without any proof (or research for that matter).
Something out of the ordinary happened on this flight, but there is no point on focusing your attention on it until we know what! Read more on my thoughts by Clicking Here.