Pilot Explains the Science of Turbulence | WSJ Booked

Turbulence isn’t entirely predictable, according to pilot Stuart Walker. Flights can be impacted by four different types of turbulence: clear-air turbulence, thermal turbulence, mechanical turbulence and wake turbulence. But how does turbulence happen in clear skies?

Walker, who has decades of experience flying planes, explains each type of turbulence and what pilots can do to help avoid a bumpy ride for passengers in flight.

0:00 Types of turbulence
0:39 Clear-air turbulence
2:08 Thermal turbulence
3:41 Mechanical turbulence
5:11 Wake turbulence
6:22 Tips for fliers

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#Turbulence #Flying #WSJ

[Stefanovic]

As a frequent flyer I can confirm i still think “I guess this is it” every time I experience turbulence

[zeelpatel]

The guy who added animation in this video, deserves a raise.

[danielhall]

As a dispatcher, happy to see us get some recognition! Most people don’t even know dispatchers exist. If you aren’t familiar with a dispatcher. We plan the flight meaning we chose how much fuel goes on the aircraft, altitude, route flown, how much payload (Passengers and Bags), apply any mechanical penalties, make sure the flight is legal, and of course is safe to conduct. Along with that we help while the flight is in the air with any issues that may arise (mechanical, weather, or passenger issues). We also share 50% operation control of the flight with the captain so pretty much all decisions are agreed upon by the dispatcher and captain. Coolest job most people don’t know about.

[MathewOliveira-iksl]

Only reason turbulence doesn't scare me anymore, even when its bad, is the fact that usually the flight attendants are going about their day calm af likes nothing is happening which tells me they've been through this a million times and there isn't anything to worry about.

[vortex-lr]

As a pilot I can say that, for those who are not aviation professionals, this is one of the best explanations I’ve ever seen regarding turbulence.

[DeeNg-chpg]

Anyone watches this because you just experienced a terrible turbulence on a recent flight like I did?! Thanks for sharing your knowledge captain.

[pakdolan]

I want this man to the captain of all my flights. His knowledge and confidence give me peace of mind.

[GarzaB]

As a flight crew member myself - I really appreciate this video. It will help millions of nervous fliers to understand that the plane is just going thru waves! Thanks for this video American Airlines 🇺🇸 ✈️

[Jackson_Hts_Mr_Randy_Watson]

I understand turbulence on an intellectual level, but when it happens in real life I always get anxious. I'd really like to get past that so I can fly more.

[jmcq]

I'm somehow encouraged to see so many people comment here that they are just as scared and nervous experiencing turbulence during a flight as I am. Other passengers must hide their fears well because I never see others look nervous, but I know I do. It's not a fear of the plane falling out of the sky. It's the dropping or rocking sensation, which is the same reason I can't ride on a roller coaster or other amusement ride.

[ptys.]

As someone who gets anxious flying, this will help alot as I can understand a little more of what is going on. Thanks for uploading!

[jacktrendell]

As a pilot, I can testify this was pretty informative, and the information shared was accurate.

[Dakingsnake]

This guy exudes competence and confidence. I would believe i was going to have the safest flight possible.

[Not_Lewis]

As someone who's actually a bird, this is pretty accurate. Sometimes I get turbulence over my feathers

[jarrodbarkley]

I wish he would have spent some talking about how turbulence isn't dangerous and there's nothing to be afraid of. Not that it would help my turbulence phobia, but still.

[suvro]

haven't seen an animation this beautiful and minimal yet surprisingly informative

[gavcom]

just remember people: planes are not even CLOSE to their structural limits when in turbulence. Think of it as a car going through a dirt road; it’s bumpy and possibly uncomfortable, but your car will be 100% okay through it

[paullau]

Thank you to all dispatcher, pilots and flight attendants for all that you do to keep passengers safe and to our destination safely. This was a great video

[AMH]

I really appreciate when pilots let us know about coming turbulence, Thanks to them .

[lizacabrera]

Been flying for countless of times my whole life but still gets severely anxious of the turbulence. I hate it. It makes me fear for my life everytime I'm flying feeling like I'm never safe on planes. I was never able to relax during flights. Now I understand turbulence a little better and hoping it would give me enough relief the next time I fly.