Turbulence when flying: The reason for it – and why you don’t have to be afraid

What causes turbulence?

For many people, flying is a convenient and effective way to get from one place to another. However, there are also some travelers who suffer from a fear of flying, especially when there is turbulence. Turbulence can cause discomfort and even panic for some passengers. What are the causes of turbulence?

Turbulence is air movement that can be triggered by various factors. One of the most common causes are atmospheric disturbances, such as thermals. When warm and cold air masses meet, vertical air movements occur, which can lead to turbulence. Another cause of turbulence is the thrust of aircraft. These forces can create air turbulence that leads to turbulence. In addition, uneven terrain such as mountains or hills can affect airflow and cause turbulence.

There are different types of turbulence, ranging from slight rocking motion to severe air turbulence. Some types of turbulence can be dangerous for aircraft, especially when accompanied by strong winds or extreme weather conditions. In these cases, pilots must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of passengers and the aircraft.

Still, most turbulence is harmless and nothing to worry about. Modern aircraft are specially designed to handle turbulence. Aircraft manufacturers extensively test their models for their ability to balance and overcome turbulence. Pilots are also specially trained to fly safely in turbulence.

Overcome the fear

If you are still afraid of turbulence, there are several ways to deal with it. One option is to rely on the aircraft’s technology, knowing that it was purpose-built to handle turbulence. Another option is to focus on breathing exercises to calm the body. It can also be helpful to distract yourself, for example by reading a book or watching a movie. Talking to the flight crew can also help to put your mind at ease. There are also special programs and courses that can help people with a fear of flying prepare for flights and manage their fears.

Another tip is to research the weather and flight conditions in advance to have an idea of ​​what to expect during the flight. Seat selection can also help minimize the effects of turbulence. Seats near the wings and over the wings can often be more stable and less affected by turbulence. Overall, however, turbulence is a normal part of flying and in the vast majority of cases is not a cause for concern.

Editorial office finanzen.net

Image sources: Markus Gann / Shutterstock.com

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