Air Turbulence in Our Atmosphere

Abstract

Man has been flying aircraft for almost 100 years now, but it wasn't until the last 30 years that we started paying closer attention to the hazards in the air around us. After a series of aircraft crashes with unknown reasons, we began attributing these accidents to disturbances in the air, particularly the wind. About the late 1970's, after several eye-witnessed aircraft crashes, allegedly blaming the wind conditions at the time of the crashes is when we began to take a serious look at investigating and studying wind and air turbulence hazards and their effect on flying. Today we are much more knowledgeable and have a better understanding about the hazards in the air around us. With proper safety training, these hazards which we may not be able to see, but can be identified will enable us to steer clear of any potentially dangerous situations.

Air Turbulence In Our Atmosphere

We have come a long way in aviation since the Wright Brothers took to the sky at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Technology in our aircraft today far exceeds that of the first planes that flew in the early 20th century. One problem that plaques us even to this day are the hazards associated with turbulent air. On one hand we are battling the natural turbulence of air in our atmosphere and on the other hand we are trying to cope with the turbulent air that our own technology has created.

Nature's Air

Pilots need to be aware of the many invisible hazards in the air surrounding them. Although a lingering thunderstorm on the horizon may prepare them for any potential turbulence, a clear sunny day may provide the same potential risk if caught off guard. Today pilots need proper education and training to recognize what indicators to look for if they find themselves in a particular situation. They must be prepared to handle any situation correctly ensuring passenger and aircraft safety.

Turbulence

Turbulence is irregular wind conditions, characterized by strong vertical updrafts and

downdrafts. They can be classified into four main categories: light, moderate, severe, and extreme. Light turbulence does not affect altitude. We usually feel a slight tightness in our seat belts and passengers may be permitted to move about the cabin. Moderate turbulence is similar to light turbulence but with a slightly higher degree of intensity. We feel more of a strain as our seatbelts tighten, lose items tend to begin sliding around and walking becomes more difficult. Severe turbulence causes large abrupt changes in altitude and airspeed indications. The