I fly quite a bit. On a recent flight from Mexico City to Veracruz Mexico we flew through a thunderstorm for about 45 minutes (and over a 14,000 foot peak). The plane was bouncing around for the whole 45 minutes. Even saw the flight attendants try to walk down the asile only to be bounced into a lap and had to take seats in the middle of the plane. To me this seemed extremly dangerous but how dangerous is flying through such bumby air?
2006-07-21 15:05:55 · 9 answers · asked by mustang98gt99 1 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
One note is that the flight attendants tried to walk the aisle but were unable to make it the length of the plane as they were getting bounced around quite a bit.
I have never heard of a plane crashed due to turbulence either unless it was windsheer near the airport but sure seems like it boarders on the edge of loosing control.
2006-07-21 15:45:51 · update #1
Thanks for the answers. I think the turbulence we felt was a result of the mountains as well as the severe weather we were flying through and on such a short flight we were only above the storm for a few minutes.
2006-07-22 18:08:28 · update #2
It can be deadly if you aren't strapped in. Pay attention when the captain tells you to keep your seatbelt fastened. There is such a a thing as clear air turbulence, when it is completely unexpected. I personally know co-workers who can never work again from being slammed into the ceiling, and encountered broken necks, backs and the like.
However, if you stay strapped in, your almost insured to be safe.
Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the most important is right at your fingertips-your seat belt. In a recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to passengers were reported over a 10-year period. None of the injured had their seat belts fastened. To prevent turbulence-related injuries, "Fly Smart" travelers should always:
* Keep their seat belts fastened at all times.
Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low across the hips.
As for lightning causing a crash, hasn't happened in 40 years.
2006-07-21 17:16:17 · answer #1 · answered by skyhigh 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Such turbulence that you encountered seems to come from the thermals arising in the mointainous region. The thermals are hot air rising from the ground and the closer to the ground, the stronger these thermals are.
So it seems like the thermals were quite strong that day, and having high peaks, the thermals will be felt on airplanes flying across above. But I believe once your plane is out of the mointain area, the turbulence did also stop.
Modern planes are designed to handle certain degree of turbulence. This is reflected as the amount of positive and negative 'g' that the plane is subjected to. Usually the plane design will try incorporate the possible effects while inflight. So it is unlikely that there is any mechanical problem to be associated with it.
As long as there is enough vertical separation or height between the plane and the ground while flying in the turbulence, it is fine. The only worry is being close to the ground and suddenly being subjected to turbulence. At cruising height, should not be an issue. There is rare report or accident attributed to turbulence while flying.
just that is is very uncomfortable while you are going through the. Believe me, the pilots do not like it too. Usually they will try to climb to a higher height to minimise the turbulence. It is perfectly safe to fly through.
2006-07-22 17:44:01 · answer #2 · answered by peanutz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the flight attendant's were walking around, it couldn't have been that bad. If the captain is aware that it will be bad, the f/a will be seated. If it was sudden he would make an announcement for all to hear that the f/a need to take any open seat immediatly. ALWAYS keep your seatbelt on when seated, dosen't have to be tight, but enough to keep you in the seat should you run into some turbulance. As a flight attendant, i was out of work for 7 months with a back injury because i hit the ceiling during unexpected turbulance. So keep yourself safe and stay buckled. Sometimes the storms are to big to fly around, or suddenly appear, but I assure you, you are quite safe. Bring a good book to read on your flight and stay buckled. Happy flying.
2006-07-21 17:40:36 · answer #3 · answered by JackieH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ONE THE RUNWAY.....A simple stone on a runway can be turned into a bullet and pass through someone's head, killing them immediatly.
IN THE AIR..... Anything can happen..... wind shear can force an aircraft to the ground when landing. It can create damage to wings and control surfaces causing the aircraft out of control. Lightning can hit the aircraft and short circuit the control servos and start fires anywhere without the pilot or crew knowing.
2006-07-21 15:14:41 · answer #4 · answered by doctor_johnnie_jointroller 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well how heavy the turbulence is it doesn't scare me...it's alot safer in the air with an airplane then on the busy highways where a few people die daily!
2006-07-25 11:21:03 · answer #5 · answered by batista_the_animal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be quite bumpy..I worked for an airline for 31 years at the gate..but I have heard of flight attendants badly injured ...some hit the ceiling...another rolled down the aisle..that's why they want you to keep your seatbelt fastened at all times.
2006-07-21 17:40:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
designed for it except for landings in turbulance from other planes (they have a warning system at major airports i can't think of a single accident)
2006-07-21 15:09:02 · answer #7 · answered by fact checker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends how bad the storm is and how big the plane is but the newer planes are very safe during a storm
2006-07-21 15:08:52 · answer #8 · answered by The original John Doe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have never had that much turbulance, but if they were walking around, or trying to it couldn't be that bad, eh? or maybe they were trying to make you feel better?
2006-07-21 15:08:05 · answer #9 · answered by smokingstonersweetheart 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋