Turbulence: Understanding Risks and Staying Safe

Following severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight recently, it is important to understand what turbulence is and the associated risks to passengers.

You may have seen troubling visuals from the Singapore Airlines flight 321 incident, which made an emergency landing in Bangkok. These events can understandably create fear regarding turbulence. Therefore, we consulted aviation journalist John Walton for insights into turbulence, its occurrences in flight, and how passengers can ensure their safety onboard.

The images from the incident are indeed alarming, especially given the unfortunate news of a passenger’s death and numerous injuries. However, advancements in technology mean we are more aware of such incidents, as everyone now possesses a camera on their mobile devices. Moreover, experts agree that climate change is contributing to the increased frequency of severe turbulence events.

What is turbulence, and why does it happen?

Turbulence occurs in several forms during flights, and the mildest feeling is experienced as your plane passes through clouds during ascent or descent. However, the principal concern at cruising altitudes is clear air turbulence, which arises due to temperature variations that create strong upward or downward air currents. Such currents can result from jet streams, mountainous terrains, or storms, particularly thunderstorms.

On a flight, turbulence manifests as a shaking sensation. In severe cases, it can lead to extreme movements like those experienced on the Singapore Airlines flight. It’s important to note, however, that the aircraft was able to land safely despite experiencing severe turbulence, which is relatively rare.

Preliminary evidence suggests that the turbulence incident was likely caused by rapidly forming thunderstorms over Southeast Asia, which can be particularly difficult to forecast.

Is it worse on some planes versus others?

In general, larger aircraft tend to experience less noticeable effects of turbulence compared to smaller ones. While the Singapore Airlines flight involved a significant Boeing 777, which is one of the largest aircraft, the challenge remains. Regardless of the type of plane, severe turbulence is felt strongly by passengers.

Can I sit somewhere on the plane to avoid turbulence?

Aircraft are designed with a degree of flexibility. Typically, sitting closer to the wings minimizes the impact of turbulence due to the aircraft’s design. Nonetheless, during severe turbulence such as the recent incident, the discomfort can be felt throughout the cabin.

Is turbulence common and are some parts of the world more susceptible to it?

Light turbulence is a routine part of flying; passengers often feel minor bumps while flying through clouds. Severe turbulence, while less common, is expected to become more prevalent due to climate-related changes that result in greater temperature variations and more erratic weather patterns. Regions that routinely experience moderate to severe turbulence include areas with significant temperature fluctuations, high mountain ranges like the Rockies, the Andes, and the Himalayas, and areas with strong wind currents.

How can I stay safe on a flight if it hits turbulence?

The foremost safety measure is to keep your seatbelt fastened throughout the flight. It is crucial that the belt is snug enough to keep you securely in your seat during sudden turbulence. Avoid loosely fastening the belt, as a loose fit may not adequately protect you during unexpected drops.

A practical guideline is to ensure your seatbelt is as tight as a car seatbelt while seated. If you are traveling with infants, make certain they are securely held in your lap or in a bassinet, if one is available. If you are in the lavatory during turbulence, immediately sit down and hold onto the grab bars until the crew provides further instructions. For those enjoying inflight amenities, ensure you buckle in during turbulence and await clearance from the crew before returning to your seat.

If you find yourself walking down the aisle and turbulence strikes, seek the nearest empty seat to sit down rather than attempting to reach your assigned seat. Overall, it is reassuring to know that turbulence is a common occurrence, flights are planned to mitigate severe bumps, and the sturdy design of modern aircraft allows them to manage turbulent conditions effectively.