From the ground, it may seem that the clouds are clots of cotton wool. But only children can believe this. Clouds are actually formed by the accumulation of millions of water droplets. Sometimes even the most harmless, it would seem, clouds cause doubts among pilots.
Before, flying on an airplane was completely subject to the intuition, luck and experience of the captain. Today, flight safety has reached a higher level, thanks to the development of the aviation industry. However, not a single pilot, even the most experienced one, can insure the aircraft against falling into thunderclouds, where, as a rule, lightning, hail, and an air pocket await him. What is this phenomenon and should we be afraid of it?
What is turbulence?
Pilots call this phenomenon "bumping". Some say it's an air pocket. The plane wobbles from side to side, and sometimes it looks like it is bouncing and flapping its wings.
Surprisingly, turbulence can occur not only when an aircraft enters a cloudy area. There is such a thing as clear turbulencesky. 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 drops. Ascending and descending air currents have different pressures. When the aircraft enters such zones, it begins to shake. Especially the air pocket, 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 with all these points in mind.
What is the danger of turbulence?
"Humbling" is not a pleasant phenomenon, but it is absolutely safe for an airplane. Almost all pilots are convinced of this. But nevertheless, getting into turbulence zones, they immediately tend to leave them. As a rule, there is no accidental entry into the "chatter" zone. Pilots prepare in advance for possible difficulties in flight. Therefore, they always have a couple of additional detour routes in reserve.
You should know that this phenomenon cannot cause any harm to the aircraft. It won't break, fall apart or explode. But passengers in such an environment have a hard time. Those who, for one reason or another, did not fasten their seat belts can especially suffer. In this case, you can even be seriously injured.
Truth or myth?
Most passengers believe that getting into the turbulence zone depends entirely on the skill of the pilot. But, unfortunately, neither skills,neither the experience nor the qualifications of the latter can influence this in any way. The degree of shaking is influenced exclusively by atmospheric conditions, as well as the weight of the aircraft itself. Heavy machines are more protected from this phenomenon. More precisely, the shaking in them is not felt so much.
Passengers should be aware that aircraft crew always act according to the regulations. Sometimes a decision is made to make an emergency landing of the aircraft. However, this does not mean at all that the vessel is faulty. According to safety rules, the crew has the right to land the plane due to adverse weather conditions.
Rules of conduct on the plane
Because turbulence is a natural phenomenon during flight, and air pockets are also common during flight, it is best to know how to act correctly so as not to get injured. In some cases, it is impossible to influence the situation, but it is still possible to minimize the risks of serious injury.
- Don't leave your seat when entering turbulence.
- Luggage in the upper berths must be securely secured.
- It is strictly forbidden to unfasten seat belts while shaking.
- Follow all staff instructions.
Air funnel - what is it?
Sometimes turbulence occurs when an aircraft enters an area of low pressure. Why are such phenomena dangerous?
Of course, the concept of "air pocket" is abstract. Why? ATthere can be no holes in the air. But nevertheless, from sudden pressure drops, the plane begins to suddenly fall down. However, this is just how it feels. In fact, the aircraft is caught in a downward air current, which pulls it down with its force. This results in a decrease in the lifting speed. Then the reverse process takes place. The aircraft is caught in an updraft of air which pushes it up. Feelings from everything that is happening are extremely unpleasant. However, it is almost impossible to avoid such a phenomenon, since nature cannot be controlled. The only thing people can do is increase the strength of the structure, carefully check the fastenings and mechanisms so that the aircraft can adequately cope with a difficult situation.
What to do if the plane hit an air pocket?
For starters, don't panic. This phenomenon is widespread, not a single flight over the mountains or the Pacific Ocean can do without it. However, passengers must internally prepare for it. You should not drink alcoholic beverages before and during the flight. If possible, you should stop taking medications. During the flight, you should not read anything. It is better to drink water with lemon to cope with the feeling of nausea. The plane will not suffer much if it hits the air pocket, since according to all the rules, only fully corrected aircraft are allowed to fly. There are only a few cases of air crashes in the world due to an aircraft falling into a funnel, but they still exist. In this case, it is better to overcome the air with prayer.pits. Catastrophes are sometimes avoided, according to eyewitnesses. But not always the pilot can cope with the control, and a real disaster happens.
How to minimize risks when flying?
Because air pocketing is somewhat related to the weather, it is best to learn how to minimize the risk of uncomfortable conditions before flying in an aircraft.
- It is best to fly early in the day. Generally wind, storm, thunderstorm or hail is unlikely in the morning.
- If possible, choose flights without intermediate stops.
- We need to study the weather forecast in the places through which the plane will fly.
- Find out the hotel numbers in the cities through which the plane will fly. If there is a forced landing, you can quickly book a room at the nearest hotel.
- Large planes are less dangerous. Even with strong shaking, it is quite comfortable to be inside them. 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.
