What Is Turbulence?
Turbulence is a disturbance in airflow that can cause an aircraft to move abruptly. They can be compared to bumps in the road but in the sky. These disturbances can have different causes, such as unstable air currents (clear air turbulence), the proximity of thunderstorms (convective turbulence), or when passing over mountains (mountain turbulence).
Although they can be unsettling, especially during a quiet flight, turbulence is a natural phenomenon of flight and, in most cases, does not pose a danger to the aircraft structure. However, passengers must keep their seat belts fastened at all times, as turbulence can come on suddenly and cause sudden movements that could lead to injury if someone is not properly restrained.
The Importance of Seat Belts
The simplest and most effective tip for protecting yourself during turbulence is always to keep your seat belt fastened. Just as a seat belt in a car protects you in case of sudden braking, in an airplane, it prevents you from hitting the ceiling, overhead compartments, or even other passengers.
Turbulence can arise without warning, and its intensity can vary. Keeping your seat belt fastened is a preventive measure that helps minimize the risk of injury, making your trip much safer, even when the seat belt sign is off.
Safety: How airplanes are prepared for turbulence
Modern aircraft undergo rigorous testing to ensure their ability to withstand turbulence and other atmospheric challenges:
1. strength and flexibility tests: manufacturers bend aircraft wings to extreme angles to simulate the forces they will face in flight. For example, the Airbus A350 was tested by bending its wings by almost 90 degrees to ensure its endurance under extreme conditions.
2. Impact Tests: To simulate collisions with birds or other objects, dead birds are thrown towards the engines and fuselage at high speed. This ensures that the aircraft can withstand these impacts without catastrophic failure.
3. Extreme Weather Testing: Aircraft are evaluated in extreme cold conditions in places like the Arctic and in scorching heat in deserts. These tests ensure that the systems function properly in any climate.
4. Lightning Tests: Every aircraft can be struck by lightning at least once a year. Laboratories simulate lightning strikes to ensure that the aircraft can dissipate the electricity without damage. Materials such as carbon fiber are protected with metal mesh to disperse the electrical charge.
Flying with Peace of Mind
While turbulence can be uncomfortable, remember that your aircraft has been subjected to much more severe testing than you are likely to face in flight. Advanced engineering and rigorous testing ensure that aircraft are well-prepared for any eventuality. So, the next time the plane shakes, take a deep breath, keep your seat belt fastened, and trust that your plane is designed to get you to your destination as safely as possible.
References
Un avión de Air Europa procedente de Madrid aterriza de urgencias en Brasil por turbulencias que dejan al menos siete heridos | El País | Retreived July 1st, 2024 from: https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2014/03/140326_avion_pruebas_de_seguridad_extremas_finde_vp
Que causa las turbulencias y cómo actuar ante ellas: “Los aviones están preparados para pasarlas y no caer” | ABC Sociedad | July 2ns, 2024 from: https://www.abc.es/sociedad/causa-turbulencias-actuar-ante-aviones-preparados-pasarlas-20240702145920-nt.html
Pruebas extremas para garantizar la seguridad de los aviones | BBC News Mundo | Retreived March 26th, 2014 from: https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2014/03/140326_avion_pruebas_de_seguridad_extremas_finde_vp
Las “fuertes turbulencias” en los vuelos, cada vez más recurrentes | CNN español | Retreived July 2nd, 2024 from: https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/video/air-europa-aterrizaje-emergencia-vuelos-turbulencias-aviones-dusa-tv/