Source-This post on Aircraft Turbulence is based on the article “‘Severe turbulence’ on Singapore Airlines flight leaves 1 dead: When can turbulence become dangerous?” published in “The Indian Express” on 22nd May 2024.
Why in the News?
A person died and several others were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight experienced “severe turbulence” en-route.
About Aircraft Turbulence
1. About Aircraft Turbulence: Turbulence refers to pockets of disturbed air that can occur due to various factors, prominently including unstable weather patterns that often lead to storms.
2. Types of Turbulence:
i) Wind Shear: It occurs with abrupt changes in wind direction, either vertically or horizontally, often near thunderstorms or jet streams, causing sudden shifts from tailwinds to headwinds.
ii) Frontal: It arises at the boundary of two air masses, where warm, moist air ascends over a colder, denser air mass, intensifying near thunderstorms.
iii) Convective: It is triggered by heated land surfaces causing the air above to warm and rise, forming unstable air pockets that affect aircraft during descent.
iv) Wake Turbulence: It is generated by wingtip vortices from an aircraft, posing risks to smaller following aircraft due to disrupted airflow.
v) Mechanical Turbulence: It is caused by airflow disruptions from physical obstructions like mountains or buildings, making the air turbulent.
vi) Clear Air Turbulence: It occurs when an aircraft moves between different air masses or exits a jet stream, mainly influenced by wind patterns and jet streams.
vii) Mountain Wave: It is formed by air flowing over mountains, causing severe oscillations and potential sudden changes in altitude and airspeed.
3. Safety Measures for Passengers:
a) Keep seat belts fastened at all times to prevent injuries from sudden turbulence and follow the guidance of flight attendants and listen to pre-flight safety briefings.
b) Use FAA-approved child safety seats for children under two.
4. Airlines’ Strategies to Avoid Turbulence:
a) Open communication channels need to be maintained between pilots and dispatchers.
b) Weather Briefings need to be considered. It also includes turbulence forecasts in pre-flight weather briefings. Reconsidering atmospheric data and modelling for flight path adjustments.
c) Real-time sharing of turbulence and weather updates need to be promoted among crew members.
d) There is need to enhance dispatcher training focused on turbulence management and use comprehensive weather data for flight planning and operations.
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