Expert: Malcolm Dickinson - 1/29/2007

Question
hi
i have three quick questions: over the last 3 years i have noticed turblence everytime i have flown, is it just me or is there actually more turbulence now?
secondly has a plane ever crashed due to turbulence?
thirdly is a difference between an air pocket and turblence?

Answer
Roberto,

There is no such thing as an "air pocket." This is a name that some people use to describe turbulence.

Turbulence is a natural phenomenon, just like wind. Like wind, turbulence does not have any effect on the safety of flight. Airplanes keep flying through turbulence just like they keep flying through wind.

Turbulence is uncomfortable for airplane passengers, but it represents no danger. It does not make a flight more dangerous; just less comfortable.

Turbulence has been compared to driving on a bumpy road. When you have to drive on a bumpy road, you still get where you're going, and you are in no danger, but the bumpy road makes the ride uncomfortable.

I am not aware of any case in which turbulence has caused an airplane accident.

I do not believe there has been any increase in turbulence over recent years. Perhaps you have been flying more at certain times of day (turbulence is often less at night).

best,
Malcolm