Flying a Plane in Turbulence

These are the only things you need to know:

It is not any harder to fly a plane in turbulence than in normal conditions.

We reduce speed very slightly … a matter of 5 or 10 miles per hour at high altitude.

At low altitude, we fly at about 290 knots (335 mph) depending upon aircraft type.

We select continuous ignition for the engines …  like keeping the piezo spark going all the time on your cooker gas rings.

We turn on the seat belt signs.

If other aircraft have reported a ‘smoother ride’ at another altitude we request a change of cruising height.

Forget the idea that the pilot has to wrestle with the controls in the way that is shown in most movies. The control system has been designed to be able to cope with flying in turbulence, only moderate movements on the control wheel are needed even in severe turbulence. In my career of 20,000 hours flying I have only encountered severe turbulence twice, on both occasions I had to stop eating my lunch until we were thru’ it.  It’s uncomfortable for sure but it’s not dangerous.

Best wishes,

Captain Keith