Have you ever experienced turbulence during a flight on a perfectly clear day? Many passengers are caught off guard by turbulence, especially when the sky is clear and weather conditions seem ideal.

While clear-air turbulence (CAT) is less predictable than turbulence in stormy conditions, it’s still a common occurrence during flights. Let’s dive into why it happens and how we can stay safe.

Pilot Explains the Science of Turbulence | WSJ Booked

video by The Wall Street Journal

What Causes Turbulence?

To understand turbulence, we need to know how an airplane flies. During flight, four main forces affect the plane: gravity pulls it down, air resistance pushes it back, the engines propel it forward, and the wings generate lift to keep it airborne. Lift is created by the wing’s shape and its angle relative to the airflow. Faster-moving air over the top of the wing results in lower pressure, and this difference creates lift.

How Wind Affects Turbulence

Wind plays a significant role in turbulence. When a plane encounters a sudden change in wind direction—such as shifting from a tailwind to a headwind—the lift can increase or decrease abruptly. This causes the plane to rise or drop, which is why we might feel a sudden jolt. If the wind shifts sideways, it can cause the plane to tilt as one wing generates more lift than the other.

Turbulence is often more noticeable during takeoff and landing when the plane is flying at slower speeds, making it more sensitive to wind changes.

The Role of Clear-Air Turbulence

At cruising altitude, the wind around the plane can cause turbulence due to changes in direction or speed. Although the air is typically stable at high altitudes, passing through turbulent air masses can cause sudden shifts in the plane’s lift. This is where clear-air turbulence comes in. It occurs in cloudless skies and is caused by narrow, fast-moving air currents or jet streams, which can create sudden shifts in airflow.

Why Is Clear-Air Turbulence Hard to Predict?

Clear-air turbulence is particularly tricky because it happens without warning. Unlike turbulence caused by storms, which can be seen in weather radar, CAT occurs in clear skies and can’t be anticipated. This makes it difficult for pilots to avoid. However, modern aircraft are built to withstand such turbulence, and pilots are trained to manage it effectively.

How to Stay Safe During Turbulence

While turbulence can be unsettling, it’s generally not dangerous. To stay safe, always keep your seatbelt fastened, even when the seatbelt sign is off, as turbulence can occur unexpectedly. Remember, turbulence is a normal part of flying and doesn’t mean the plane is in trouble.

Stay Calm and Relax

Next time you experience turbulence, especially when the skies are clear, remember it’s just a part of air travel. Planes are designed to handle it, and pilots are trained to navigate through it. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight!