Severe Turbulence Is A Safety Issue

The recent incident on a Singapore Airlines flight is prompting many to revisit safety practices when flying. About 10 hours into the flight outbound from London, the plane fell into an air pocket and encountered severe turbulence that resulted in 30 passengers being injured. According to some reports, within three seconds, the plane's vertical speed surged to 1,664 feet per minute before plummeting. 

Severe turbulence defies gravity and can send anything that is not secured crashing about. Photos of the Singapore Airlines plane show luggage and service items strewn everywhere, deployed airbags, overhead panels dangling and exposed mechanicals in the ceiling.

Some carriers participate in a global data exchange platform that receives airline data and provides a calculated estimate of the atmosphere’s turbulent state via in-situ turbulence reports. This allows for pilots to make adjustments if turbulence is created by weather fronts or thunderstorms.

But when strong air currents or jet streams create clear-air turbulence, it is hard to detect on radar or weather-tracking instruments, which means pilots may be caught off guard. A 2023 study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters found that severe clear-air turbulence increased by more than 50% in the past four decades, and attributed this increase to the impact of climate change on wind speeds in the upper levels of the atmosphere.

Air travelers can minimize injuries from unexpected turbulence by observing the seatbelt signs, keeping their seatbelt buckled at all times they are seated, and by following carry-on storage instructions.

Also, being a smart passenger increases your chance for survival in the unlikely event of a flight emergency. Smart passengers plan ahead. Wearing clothing that covers arms and legs provides an extra layer of protection during an emergency. Also, smart passengers wear sensible shoes and don’t drink during a flight.

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Air Travelers:

• Keep what’s important to you within arm’s reach. Material items are replaceable; your life is not.

• Wear your shoes — especially during takeoff and landing.

• Pay attention to that repetitive life safety video and demonstration at the beginning of your flight; you can never be too educated for an emergency.