Nervous flier? Here’s everything you need to know about turbulence, according to a professional pilot
This could put your jitters at ease next time you go on holiday
FORGET the queues, security checks and air pressure, turbulence is often one of the worst parts about flying.
Sometimes, it can even be so strong that it causes air planes to stall.
A serving pilot, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke to the about all things to do with turbulence: why it’s so frightening and how he tries to avoid it.
The source revealed that there were two types of turbulence, one that was affected by the weather, and another which occurs when there's a disturbance in the air.
While many people are less concerned about the craft being affected by rainy conditions, when the problem isn't visible passengers can tend to panic.
The expert explained: “The sort of turbulence that people often get anxious about is clear air turbulence, which is often what happens at high altitude and that's associated with the intercontinental jet streams that circle the globe.
"When they collide it creates ripples in the air and that's what clear air turbulence is.”
However, the anonymous source revealed that while turbulence is easy to predict, it can be difficult to avoid.
To prepare for a shaky spell, the airline relies on tip-offs from other crafts that are in flight.
They can then protect their passengers by warning them to keep their safety belt fastened and to remain in their seat.
The pilot explained: “There's no favouritism or protocol. So if an Air France aeroplane is in some turbulence and it's got a rival aeroplane behind it, they'll let us know. There's a good deal of respect between pilot communities worldwide because that's how we keep aviation as safe as it possibly can be.”
The expert insider believes that people are fearful of turbulence because the shaking aircraft is completely out of their control.
If travellers become anxious when the plane shakes, thinking about the strength and resilience of the aircraft could help to calm some nerves.
So how do pilots deal with turbulence and its effects?
The anonymous insider revealed: “You can grin and bear it - the aircraft is more than capable of withstanding the loads associated with turbulence - although severe turbulence can be quite uncomfortable and best avoided for passenger comfort.
"You can try flying higher - if aircraft performance allows it - or lower - although this burns more fuel and might make things worse.”
He also added: “You can fly at the aircraft turbulence penetration speed - generally a little slower than normal cruising speed or turn to avoid the area of turbulence if it’s localised, such as near a thunderstorm.”