From the ground, it may seem that clouds are wadding. But only children can believe this. In fact, clouds form due to the accumulation of millions of drops of water. Sometimes even the most harmless, it would seem, cloudiness raises doubts among pilots.
Previously, flying a plane was completely subject to the intuition, luck and experience of the captain. Today, flight safety has reached a higher level due to the development of the aviation industry. However, not a single pilot, even the most experienced one, can insure an airplane from falling into thunderclouds, where, as a rule, lightning, hail, and an air hole await him. What is this phenomenon and is it worth it to be afraid of?
What is turbulence?
Pilots call this phenomenon "chatter." Some say it's an air hole. The plane sways from side to side, and sometimes it seems that it seems to bounce and flap its wings.
Surprisingly, turbulence can occur, not only when the plane enters the cloudy zone. There is such a thing as clear sky turbulence. But if the weather is calm, pressure and humidity are normal, then the temperature is evenly distributed in the air. These are ideal conditions for a safe flight. And if there are clouds in the sky, then this is already an indicator that there are temperature differences. Ascending and descending air flows have different pressures. When the plane enters such zones, it begins to shake. Especially an air hole, or rather getting into it, is felt during a flight over mountains, oceans or the sea. But you should not be very afraid of this phenomenon, since modern aircraft were originally designed taking into account all these points.
What is the danger of turbulence?
"Chatterbox" is not a pleasant phenomenon, but it is absolutely safe for an airplane. Almost all pilots are convinced of this. Nevertheless, getting into the turbulence zone, they immediately seek to leave them. As a rule, there is no accidental entry into the zone of "dangling". Pilots prepare in advance for possible difficulties in flight. Therefore, they always have a couple of additional bypass routes in stock.
You should be aware that this phenomenon can not cause any harm to the aircraft. It will not break, will not fall apart and will not explode. But passengers in this situation have a hard time. Particularly affected are those who, for one reason or another, have not fastened their seat belts. In this case, you can even seriously injure yourself.
Truth or myth?
Most passengers believe that getting into the turbulence zone depends entirely on the pilot's skill. But, unfortunately, neither the skills, nor the experience, nor the qualifications of the latter can affect this in any way. The degree of shaking is influenced solely by atmospheric conditions, as well as the weight of the aircraft itself. Heavy vehicles are more protected from this phenomenon. More precisely, the shaking in them is not felt so much.
Passengers should be aware that the crew always acts according to the standard. Sometimes a decision is made about an emergency landing. However, this does not mean at all that the ship is out of order. According to safety rules, the crew has the right to land the aircraft due to adverse weather conditions.
Rules of Conduct
Since turbulence is a natural phenomenon during flight, and air holes during flight are also common, it is best to know how to act correctly so as not to be injured. In some cases, it is impossible to influence the situation, but it is still possible to minimize the risks of serious injury.
- Do not leave the seat when entering the turbulence zone.
- Baggage located on the upper shelves must be well secured.
- It is strictly forbidden to unfasten seat belts during shaking.
- Follow all personnel instructions.
Air funnel - what is it?
Sometimes turbulence arises from the fact that the aircraft falls into the low-pressure region. What is the danger of such phenomena?
Of course, the concept of "air hole" is abstract in nature. Why? There cannot be holes in the air. Nevertheless, from sudden changes in pressure, the aircraft begins to suddenly fall down. However, this is only the way it is felt. In fact, the plane enters a descending air stream, which pulls it down with its own force. In this case, a decrease in the lifting speed occurs. Then the reverse process occurs. The plane enters an upward flow of air, which pushes it up. The feeling of everything happening is extremely unpleasant. However, it is almost impossible to avoid such a phenomenon, since nature cannot be controlled. The only thing that people can do is to increase the strength of the structure, carefully check the attachments and mechanisms so that the aircraft adequately copes with a difficult situation.
What to do if an airplane hits an air hole?
For starters, do not panic. This phenomenon is widespread, not a single flight over mountains or the Pacific Ocean is complete without it. However, passengers must internally prepare for it. You should not drink alcohol during the flight and during it. If possible, you should refuse to take medicines. It’s not worth reading anything during the flight. It is better to drink water with lemon to cope with a feeling of nausea. A plane will not be particularly affected when it enters an air hole, since by all rules only fully corrected aircraft are allowed to fly . In the world, there are only a few cases of air crashes due to a plane crashing into the crater, but they still exist. In this case, it is better to overcome air holes with prayer. Accident can sometimes be avoided, according to eyewitnesses. But not always the pilot can cope with the management, and a real disaster happens.
How to minimize flight risks?
Since getting into an air hole is to some extent related to weather conditions, it is better to study how to minimize the risk of uncomfortable conditions before flying on an airplane.
- It is best to fly at the beginning of the day. As a rule, wind, storm, thunderstorm or hail in the morning are unlikely.
- If possible, you should choose flights without intermediate landings.
- It is necessary to study the weather forecast in those places through which the plane will fly.
- Find out the hotel rooms in those cities through which the flight will take place on an airplane. If you suddenly have an emergency landing, you can quickly book a room at a nearby hotel.
- Large aircraft are less dangerous. Even with strong shaking inside them is quite comfortable. Therefore, before flying, you should study what types of aircraft are offered by certain airlines.
- You should choose flights that often fly on the desired route. In this case, a favorable outcome is more likely if something goes wrong.