In this article, we'll look at why an airplane can get bumpy and how turbulence differs from air pockets.
Turbulence and hitting an airplane in an air hole are not the most pleasant moments of the flight, but they are remembered for a long time. When it enters an air hole, the plane drops sharply several meters down. At this point, passengers can experience free flight, just like astronauts. Only it does not last long, usually does not exceed a second. The feeling of hitting an airplane in an air hole can be compared to the fact that when you walk, taking the next step, you did not notice that the surface of the earth was lower.
Illustration for describing the comparison of an air pit.
This is due to the difference in density and air velocity. The plane, flying the border between fast and slow flow, runs the risk of falling into an air hole (see the picture below).
Airplane hitting the air hole.
Turbulence is an irregular air flow, the same "bumpiness". Messy - because they often change their direction of flow and this may be due to several factors:
- Change in atmospheric pressure
- Different temperatures of the air masses encountered
- Jet air flow
- Over the mountains, the air is pushed to the height from the mountains (see picture)
Turbulence formation.
If you get into turbulence, I advise you not to panic and follow all the instructions of the aircraft commander and flight attendants. The situation is certainly not pleasant, but you should not be afraid of it. I wish you a pleasant flight!
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