Minimizing Turbulence For A Smooth Flight

Sit back, relax, and fasten your seatbelt!

Anyone who has flown before knows there is bound to be some thuds and thumps in the air.  Keep in mind though, this is completely natural, and pilots are well equipped with information and tactics to minimize your bumpy ride. So, buckle up. It’s time for takeoff!

What’s all the commotion? 

Turbulence is caused by a multitude of factors. The most common cause is a sudden change in the speed and direction of the wind as your aircraft climbs altitude. Flying through clouds often causes a change in temperature that has a tendency to cause bumps in your flight as well. Larger aircrafts tend to disrupt air patterns as they fly through the sky too and because of this disturbance in airflow, planes who fly behind them might encounter turbulence. This version of turbulence is more uncommon though because there are ample procedures put in place to reduce it.

Minimizing turbulence

Hard work goes into reducing turbulence during flights. The bumps caused by the disruption of air from larger planes is analyzed by air traffic controllers whose goal is to leave enough calculated distance between aircrafts in flight to reduce it.

Analysis of weather reports is another important way to reduce movement during flight. Turbulence can often be detected when looking at the weather conditions that are expected along the planned flight route. Open communication is another way to prepare for what’s ahead. Radioing other aircrafts who are scheduled to fly through your same path can warn them ahead of time.

New technology mitigates issues as well, considering radar equipment onboard can now show storms and allow for alternate routes to be made. There are also newer developments such “Smooth Ride Technology” which utilizes flaps on the wings in order to detect and counteract turbulence.

Safety first

It’s important to stress that turbulence is nothing to fear and pilots are trained and well equipped to take it on. The key to safety is wearing a seatbelt when asked to. It can still seem a bit scary though, so here are some tips from pilots to ease the fear:

1. Focus your attention on something else! Write your name repeatedly with your non-dominant hand.

2. Book seats at the front of the plane – bumps and shaking feels less intimidating up front.

3. Pressure points – message pressure points in your neck and shoulders to relieve stress.

4. Fight fear with facts – research turbulence and realize that it is common, and quite inevitable while in flight. Pilots are well-equipped, trained, and ready.

Read more tips and tricks for relieving turbulence flight anxiety here.

We understand flying can seem a bit scary, especially when there is some extra movement while in the air. That’s why it’s important to read up on the things that make you nervous, have conversations about safety, and learn more about your flight staff and their training for peace of mind.

Our team at Saker Aviation invites you to “soar” with us. S.O.A.R. is our core set of values and it’s what we pride ourselves on here. We promise you absolute Safety, Outstanding Service, Accountability, and Respect when flying with our crew. Contact us for more information about our staff, services, or flights and don’t hesitate to ask questions!