Many people have experienced feelings of anxiety or even panic when an airplane unexpectedly encounters turbulence at high altitudes. When flying at an altitude of 37,000 feet, strong jolts and loud noises can leave anyone feeling confused and worried.
For many, flying is often associated with feelings of excitement and anxiety, especially when experiencing air turbulence. The airplane shakes and rattles, causing passengers to panic and even contemplate the worst-case scenarios.
However, according to aviation experts, turbulence is a common phenomenon and rarely poses a danger. So, what can passengers do to remain calm and get through these heart-stopping moments?
Turbulence is a normal phenomenon.
Understanding Turbulence
A report by Airbus in February 2022 indicates that turbulence can arise from several causes, including:
- Changes in Air Density: When an airplane flies through an area with differing air density, sudden changes in pressure can lead to turbulence.
- Jet Streams: These are high-speed air currents that can cause turbulence when an airplane passes through them.
- Terrain: Flying over mountainous regions or tall buildings can also cause sudden changes in wind patterns, resulting in turbulence.
It’s important to remember that turbulence does not affect the structural integrity or controllability of the aircraft. It is simply a change in the airflow the aircraft is navigating through.
Stay Calm
When encountering turbulence, the most important thing for passengers is to remain calm and follow the instructions of the flight attendants. Panic, shouting, or sudden movements can exacerbate the situation and increase the risk of accidents.
Buckle Up
Always ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened throughout the flight, especially when experiencing turbulence. Seatbelts are the most effective safety measure to help minimize the risk of injury from sudden jolts.
Always buckle your seatbelt.
According to Airbus, the European aerospace corporation, fastening your seatbelt is the most effective way to prevent injuries during turbulence. This is crucial advice for passengers to ensure their safety and that of those around them during the flight.
During turbulence, the aircraft may shake violently and change altitude suddenly. Buckling your seatbelt will keep you securely in your seat, reducing the risk of colliding with objects in the cabin or being thrown from your seat. Seatbelts are designed to distribute impact forces in the event of a collision, helping to protect your body from serious injury.
Focus on Your Breathing
When experiencing turbulence and feeling anxious, controlling your breath is an excellent way to calm down and prevent escalating anxiety.
According to therapy experts, the following deep breathing exercise can help stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) responsible for keeping your body calm and relaxed:
How to perform:
- Inhale deeply through your nose: Allow your diaphragm to expand your belly as you breathe in.
- Hold your breath for a few seconds: Focus on the sensation of breath within your body.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth: Let your breath flow out naturally.
- Ensure the exhalation time is twice the inhalation time: This helps you relax more effectively.
- Repeat: Continue the deep breathing exercise for several minutes until you feel calmer.
Avoid Looking Out the Window, Listen to the Crew
Watching the strong movements of the aircraft and the gloomy sky can increase your fear. Instead, focus on other activities such as reading, listening to music, or chatting with someone next to you.
While trying to dispel anxiety and focus on something else, it is crucial for passengers to pay attention to announcements from the pilot and flight attendants. They will provide updates on the turbulence situation, its severity, and necessary safety measures.
To easily identify the level of turbulence, airlines use a scale divided into three levels based on the impact on the flight path and the passengers’ perception in the cabin. This common terminology helps the crew and flight staff to have a shared understanding of the anticipated turbulence level, allowing for coordinated responses to implement appropriate measures.
Specifically, when encountering light turbulence, the crew will announce the level of turbulence and necessary safety measures over the intercom. If the turbulence is moderate or severe, the crew will guide passengers to perform specific actions such as lowering their heads and tightening their seatbelts.
Thanks to an effective communication system, passengers will receive all necessary information and guidance, helping them stay calm and adhere to safety regulations throughout the flight. Therefore, passengers should pay attention to announcements from the crew and follow their guidance to ensure safety for themselves and those around them.
Trust the Crew
Trained and experienced, pilots have the ability to safely control the aircraft under adverse weather conditions, including turbulence. They train to recognize warning signs of turbulence and anticipate its intensity and timing to take appropriate actions.
In the event of turbulence, pilots will perform flexible control maneuvers to stabilize the aircraft, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. Their quick and accurate situational handling skills are crucial in mitigating danger and safely guiding the flight to its destination.
Additionally, automatic pilot assistance systems also contribute to enhancing flight safety. This system can automatically adjust the aircraft’s flight path and altitude to maintain stability, allowing pilots to focus on managing complex situations.
Remember that Turbulence is Temporary
Turbulence typically lasts only a few minutes and will end when the aircraft flies out of the area of bad weather. Once everything stabilizes, the crew will inform passengers.
Aviation experts note, “Many people worry during turbulence because they think it could cause the plane to crash. However, in reality, even the most severe turbulence rarely results in an airplane accident.”
The last time turbulence was identified as the primary cause of an airplane accident was in 1966, over 50 years ago. Since then, modern techniques and advanced technologies have helped pilots predict and avoid turbulence more effectively.
Furthermore, the improved design of modern aircraft allows them to handle turbulence better and be less affected by it compared to previous generations of airplanes.
Are There Any Aircraft “Immune” to Turbulence?
Aviation experts state that there are no specific rules or data proving that one aircraft model is better than another at handling turbulence. Size is just one factor among many others, such as aerodynamic design, control systems, and aircraft weight.
In general, aircraft with larger wing surfaces tend to absorb turbulence better. For instance, the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 are regarded as two of the best aircraft for handling turbulence due to their massive size.
However, this does not mean that larger aircraft always handle turbulence better. For example, some early Boeing 757 models—once among the largest planes used for short-haul flights—have a history of being more susceptible to turbulence.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an average of only about 33 cases of turbulence-related injuries are reported on flights in the U.S. each year from 2002 to 2018. This statistic indicates that the risk of turbulence-related accidents is extremely low.
