Questions tagged [turbulence]
Questions about air turbulence, clear air turbulence, or other air movements that cause loss of control and discomfort in flight
59
questions
2
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1answer
63 views
Could leading-edge dynamic stall occur for a tripped airfoil?
As far as I know leading-edge dynamic stall is characterized by the formation of a Leading edge vortex. This leading edge vortex forms due to the 'bursting' of the LSB (Laminar separation bubble). ...
2
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2answers
87 views
What are differences between vortex, swirl, eddies and wake?
These terms seem to have the same meanings. Can anyone differentiate them?
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2answers
182 views
Why does placing one hand on the head track stabilize you during turbulence?
At 0:40, Lufthansa Capt. Joachim Schwarzenberg advises
"Whenever we get turbulence and that can always be the case during 11 hours 40 on
such a long flight - that is also the flight time -
The ...
2
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0answers
125 views
How are Hurricane Hunter planes able to withstand G's as high as 6-7 G in turbulence if the plane is only rated for G loads much lower than that?
I found some conflicting reports on the G limit of the WP-3 Orion, but most sources say the G limit is 2.5 or 3 positive G, which would bring the ultimate load up to 3.7-4.5 G (as there is a 50% ...
0
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0answers
39 views
What is ''reference turbulence intensity'' in 25.341?
14 CFR 25.341(b)(3)(i) says:
Uσref is the reference turbulence intensity that varies linearly with
altitude from 90 fps (TAS) at sea level to 79 fps (TAS) at 24,000 feet
and is then constant at 79 ...
3
votes
1answer
75 views
Which FARs does the Boeing 737 MAX conform to with respect to turbulence?
Based on this question/answer it seems that the FARs in relation to turbulence handling have been updated several times over the years. Does the Boeing 737 MAX conform to the latest FARs or to the ...
6
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3answers
2k views
People say that modern airliners are more resilient to turbulence, but I see that a 707 and a 787 still have the same G-rating. Why is this?
The 707 was introduced in the late 50's, the 787 in 2009.
Back when Air France 447 had recently gone missing, many were speculating that the aircraft had broken up in the turbulence associated with ...
0
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0answers
57 views
Do aerobatics pilots do more to account for turbulence in their flying than passenger plane pilots?
Non-aviator here. I was trying to make a comparison when talking to a friend earlier about how when you're trying to do something complicated and delicate, you have to do more to account for ...
3
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1answer
80 views
Is propeller wake turbulence quantifiable based on operating conditions?
I know the propeller does work on the air and thus the flow behind a propeller is higher than the airspeed. However, what is the quality of this flow? If I were doing a heat transfer analysis of an ...
1
vote
1answer
80 views
Turbulent flows over 6 series airfoils
6 Series Airfoils were developed to enhance the laminar flow region over the airfoil. But, the Reynolds number at which planes fly are high for the flow to be Laminar. Then what's point of introducing ...
2
votes
1answer
280 views
Does turbulent flow encourage/avert flow separation?
I know that turbulent flow has more energy than laminar flow and hence can sustain adverse pressure gradient for a longer period of time. It basically delays flows separation.
But referring to this ...
4
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1answer
563 views
Why do wings prefer laminar flow if cd is lower for turbulent flows?
Can anyone please explain to me why we prefer to maintain laminar flow over wings, despite the fact that the overall coefficient of drag appears to reduce as the Reynolds Number increases? I have read ...
4
votes
1answer
173 views
How much can a plane benefit from another planes wake?
Could a smaller plane fly in a V formation behind a much larger plane to reduce fuel consumption significantly more than a plane its own size? At what point does flying in a larger planes wake become ...
3
votes
1answer
108 views
Does a decreasing shape factor correspond to greater or reduced probability of separation?
The shape factor ($H=\frac{\delta^*}{\theta}$) is the ratio of displacement thickness, a measure of the thickness of the boundary layer, to the momentum thickness, a measure of the shear stress. I ...
9
votes
5answers
6k views
Do aircraft cabins have suspension?
On cars, we have 'shock absorber' suspension that decouples the passengers and loads from the road vibrations, bumps etc.
On planes do we have any form of suspension that decouples the passengers &...
-2
votes
1answer
121 views
What needs to be done when experiencing severe turbulence at an altitude of FL270 with No ATC and Mode C failure? [closed]
Flying at FL270, you experience sever turbulence and Mode C failure, and the ATC channel is heavily Occupied, what should a pilot ideally do?
5
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1answer
1k views
Has turbulence ever killed a passenger?
The question is on my mind, because many passengers think there is no need to wear the seatbelt when the seatbelt sign is not illuminated.
12
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1answer
3k views
Would the wings of a Boeing 787 be snapped off in the same turbulence in which a DC-8 lost an engine and parts of a wing?
From forbes.com:
In 1992, a DC 8 cargo aircraft suffered turbulence so severe over the Front Range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains that its left outboard engine was completely ripped off as well as ...
-1
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2answers
604 views
How come the DC-8 plane can withstand +15G from turbulence, but newer planes can only withstand 20% of that amount?
Source - https://www.weather.gov/media/zhu/ZHU_Training_Page/turbulence_stuff/turbulence3/turbulence.pdf
(Scroll down for photos)
I figured out how many G's the cargo jet took by looking at the ...
1
vote
2answers
377 views
How to deal with turbulence while flying glider? (Cautions in applying rudder)
I just watched video explaining how the American Airline Flight 587 crashed
It led me to think about glider flying. The cause of that crash was that the first officer ...
1
vote
1answer
405 views
Why would a plane drop 14.000 ft mid flight?
Just noticed American Airlines flight 221 dropped 14.000 ft mid flight today. Curious, what could have caused this?
Here are the flight details.
6
votes
5answers
1k views
How to correct a roll due to turbulence?
I fly a Piper Cherokee 180 (PA-28-180) in an area that has frequent turbulence. When turbulence causes the aircraft to roll to one side I usually try to correct by using aileron and rudder in the ...
1
vote
2answers
386 views
What are the particular challenges faced when landing at Bristol airport (UK)?
Earlier this year I returned to Bristol on flight TOM-6633, and like most landings at Bristol the passengers found the experience physically immersive, attention grabbing, and at least a little ...
1
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0answers
57 views
How do commercial pilots know turbulence is ahead? [duplicate]
On commercial flights, an announcement will be made if turbulence is expected ahead and if the route will be adjusted such as moving to a higher altitude.
How do pilots know that turbulence is ahead ...
28
votes
1answer
11k views
How does a pilot tell passengers to prepare for severe turbulence without causing panic?
At the start of a flight, the pilot of an aircraft often talks about the expected weather on the flight path, and tells passengers if there is to be some turbulence during the flight.
How does a ...
2
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0answers
80 views
Can new technology help planes dodge turbulence? [duplicate]
With so many technological advancements happening in the aviation industry, will it be possible for airlines to smoothen the effects of turbulence, as turbulence cannot be eliminated?
The following ...
6
votes
1answer
256 views
What is the physical scale of the turbulence that affects large passenger planes?
What magnitude of displacement of air in turbulence conditions is large enough to affect (i.e. be noticeable in) an airliner?
Are there any minimum limits, so that even fiercely turbulent air below a ...
1
vote
2answers
353 views
If airliners and commercial planes have turbulence, can helicopters have turbulence?
I was watching a video of an V 22 (Osprey) taking off and it had that white cloudy stuff that looked like turbulence around the propellers. Can helicopters have turbulence too? I know an osprey is not ...
15
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2answers
23k views
Why does a plane shake while passing through clouds? [duplicate]
Why does a plane shake while passing through the clouds?
During my last journey all the other passengers started shouting when the plane was passing through clouds. It was the third time I was ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
Why does wake turbulence sink?
There has been a remarkable story this week of a Challenger 604 business jet being rolled after encountering the wake turbulence of an A380.
A Challenger 604 at FL340 operating from Male-Abu Dhabi ...
12
votes
1answer
582 views
How is close formation flying possible with things like thermals and turbulence?
This weekend the Blue Angels came to town. The weather was less than perfect. A quick look at SkyVector during their show indicated there was an active AIRMET for moderate turbulence.
This made me ...
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0answers
36 views
Clear Air Turbulence Avoidance [duplicate]
Nowadays to avoid C.A.T. the crew checks the charts before, or receive pieces of information from the leading pilots or from the VOLMET stations.
Is there any weather radar able to spot Clear Air ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views
Is there much turbulence in the Doldrums?
A place over the equator called the Doldrums are know for the severe lack of sailing winds. In the atmosphere above it is there any presence of turbulence anywhere? Where would the least year round ...
0
votes
2answers
295 views
Is there a way to avoid the effects of turbulence?
I am trying to determine the plausibility of a larger, broad question using a modified plane equipped with a modified E-fan and external electric ultra light weight rail. The power would be collected ...
5
votes
1answer
593 views
What are good tips for flying across Tejon pass?
I will be flying from Northern California to Southern California this weekend for the first time in a C172SP (KPAO to KFUL). My planned altitude is 9500 feet. I had a talked with my former instructor ...
4
votes
1answer
350 views
What might a pilot mean by “uncontrollable”?
The air safety reports from FlyDubai aircrew leaked to the Guardian contain some alarming stories about crew rostering, tiredness and duty times, but another one caught my eye, a description of an ...
8
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1answer
1k views
Is there always turbulence over China?
I'm not sure if this is appropriate to Aviation.SE, so apologies in advance if not.
I have taken several domestic flights over mainland China (as in, the People's Republic thereof) and, so far, it ...
9
votes
3answers
4k views
When to slow down to Va for turbulence?
I'm trying to figure out when it is safe to continue at normal cruise speed and when I should slow down to avoid over-stressing the airframe due to turbulence. (of course I have asked instructors but ...
4
votes
1answer
426 views
What flies better in turbulent wind?
I trying to find a way to stay in a jet stream unpowered for a larger question. Is there a glider, kite or plane that flies best when in turbulent weather?
12
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3answers
709 views
What is the aerodynamic effect of a panorama (skydeck) near the tail section of a commercial airline?
A company called Windspeed Technologies posted the following concept video of a panorama seating option aboard a commercial plane.
From the limited understanding I have of the phenomena called flow ...
4
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2answers
310 views
Are most/all flights affected by a noticeable amount of turbulence?
How common is turbulence that is severe enough to feel uncomfortable? I don't mean a little shaking here and there, but a drop that lasts a second or two.
Last 2 flights I was on (Paris to Singapore, ...
17
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2answers
6k views
How does radar detect turbulence and wind speed?
In an answer to a questions about turbulence this answer mentioned that aircraft use radar to help detect the most turbulent areas of a storm so that pilots can avoid them.
How does radar do this? ...
49
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6answers
17k views
How dangerous was the turbulence on this commercial flight?
EDIT: Having read these great answers I feel a little ashamed for the fear I felt on this recent flight. However, judging by my reaction to the experience and the reaction of those around me on the ...
5
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0answers
572 views
How to control fear of flying? [closed]
Four months ago I travelled to US (my 3rd time visit) from India. I always have that aerophobia just before and during flying but it has grown exponentially when the American Airlines flight took-off ...
1
vote
0answers
37 views
Do we shake more if we are seated towards the tail rather than in the middle or the front? [duplicate]
Just like in buses on road, we feel more shaky when we sit in the back seats than the driver and other sitting in front. Is it the same for flights when we are in clouds?
4
votes
2answers
681 views
Where should I sit to experience the least turbulence?
Following on from Why are first/business class seats at the front?, in which part of a large commercial jet cabin would I experience the least turbulence? On the one hand I would have said that ...
4
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2answers
2k views
What are some ways to decrease turbulence?
I know there are ways turbulence can be reduced, but what are these ways that keep the ride comforting and also with better stability.
8
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4answers
2k views
When crossing a mountain ridge at low height above terrain what consideration is given to turbulence?
Some background: I am not a pilot, but a researcher studying air-flow across mountain terrain using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
During my studies, I have been particularly interested by high-...
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2answers
1k views
When is turbulence most dangerous to an aircraft?
In what general situations or flight scenarios is turbulence most dangerous to aircraft? When could it be bad enough to bring down an aircraft (even up to something as big as an A380)?
1
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1answer
511 views
Can microbursts occur at high altitudes?
I was wondering whether a microburst can occur at high altitudes?
