Terrified of turbulence? Here's five things you should know before your fly

Five things to know before you fly

IT CAN make even the most frequent flyer break out in a sweat, but is turbulence really dangerous?

 

As millions of us take to the skies for the summer holidays it's likely many will encounter the dreaded turbulence.

 

This terrifying experience can have you reaching for the sick bag as your plane bumps its way through the sky.

But is turbulence actually anything to be afraid of?

Here's five top facts you should know before hopping onboard your next flight.

WHAT IS TURBULENCE?

There are two forms of turbulence.

Windy and stormy weather will clearly have your plane wobbling like a large jelly.

Luckily, pilots can avoid most of this bumpy weather using traditional radar.

It's the stealthy, clear air turbulence (CAT), that causes the most trouble.

CAT is what you'll feel when flying at 36,000 feet and is caused when two air masses moving at different speeds or in different directions collide with one another.

 

Pilots always leave their seat belts fastened

SHOULD I LEAVE MY SEATBELT ON?

Pilots never remove theirs so it’s probably a good idea to keep your belt strapped on during the flight.

Clear air turbulence is invisible and can’t be spotted by any of the plane’s hi-tech instruments.

The only way pilots can get turbulence warnings is from other aircraft that have just flown straight through it.

Best keep that seatbelt on.

 

This Boeing 707 crashed in Japan after hitting severe turbulence

HAS TURBULENCE EVER CAUSED A PLANE TO CRASH?

Yes.

According to reports, a British Overseas Airways aircraft hit severe clear air turbulence in 1966.

The Boeing 707 experienced massive 140mph winds as it flew near Mount Fuji in Japan.

The powerful turbulent air tore the tail fin off the plane and it plummeted to the ground.

Luckily, modern planes are a little stronger and can actually withstand forces you'll never experience in the air.

....................................................................

HOW BAD CAN IT GET?

Turbulence is measured in three categories – light, moderate and severe.

Almost every flight you take will encounter some light turbulence which will make you feel like your plane is heading down a bumpy road.

Moderate turbulence is when palms begin to get a little sweaty as your drinks will wobble and spill.

Pilots will encounter moderate turbulence for a few hours in every thousand hours they fly.

 

Severe turbulence is when things get scary.

This roller coaster ride is very rare but can see aircraft dropping and rising hundreds of feet.

A recent flight from Incheon, South Korea, to Dallas, hit this type of turbulence over Japan.

The Boeing 777 dropped suddenly and was rocked intensely for almost a minute.

Footage of the incident appeared on YouTube showing terrified passengers screaming in fear.

....................................................................

SHOULD YOU BE SCARED OF IT?

Although it feels frightening the simple answer is no.

Most of us will only ever experience light or moderate turbulence which, although uncomfortable, isn't dangerous.

Severe turbulence is clearly more frightening but incredibly rare and modern planes are built to battle it.

Just remember that some turbulence is invisible to even the most skilled pilot and latest hi-tech planes.

So, when you're sitting down make sure your seatbelt is tightly fastened.