Turbulence is one of the most common – and often misunderstood – aspects of flight. While turbulence rarely poses a threat, pilots are still trained to understand its causes, types, and how to respond appropriately for the safety of all passengers and crew. Through Superior Flight School’s part 141 and part 61 programs, students learn and train on how to safely manage turbulence during every phase of flight.
What Is Turbulence?
Turbulence, or turbulent flow, occurs when air moves in a chaotic or disturbed way instead of flowing smoothly. This disruption in the air is caused by changes in pressure and flow velocity. Oftentimes, turbulence feels like small bumps or gentle shaking from the aircraft. In a lot of cases with commercial aircrafts, turbulence occurs during clear skies. While turbulence might feel unsteady from the aircraft, from the outside, it often looks like just another day above the clouds – and your pilots are always prepared for it.
Types of Turbulence
Several things can trigger turbulent flow including:
- Rising warm air, also called convective currents
- Mountain waves, or air flowing over the mountains in powerful waves
- Aircraft creating turbulence in their wake
- Sudden changes to wind speed or direction over a short distance
- Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), or turbulence occurring in clear skies, usually caused by wind shear
Flight training programs teach students about each type of turbulence. With an understanding of the types of turbulence they may encounter, pilots are best prepared for managing its impact, however big or small. With turbulence, pilots prioritize both safety and comfort for all passengers and crew on board.
Are Pilots Trained for Turbulence?
Pilots learn what causes turbulence – like wind shear, thunderstorms, and jet streams – as well as where they are most likely to encounter it. In addition, pilots are trained to read and interpret turbulence forecasts using:
- Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMETs) – severe weather advisories for pilots that indicate hazardous conditions that could impact the aircraft
- Meteorological Aerodome Reports (METARs) – reports of weather information in current conditions
- Pilot Reports (PIREPs) – reports of where turbulence has been encountered in recent and current conditions
Pilots are also trained to understand radar data to anticipate turbulence before it even happens. By anticipating turbulence, they are able to adjust altitude or flight path to avoid the turbulence, slow the aircraft to reduce stress on the airframe, and communicate with ATC and other pilots for real-time updates.
Identifying Turbulence
Turbulence can occur in a variety of forms and situations, so knowing how to identify it early is key. Pilots use several tools and cues to spot potential turbulence, including weather radar, turbulence forecasts, pilot reports (PIREPs), and onboard instruments. Visually, turbulence might be associated with towering cumulus clouds, mountain ranges, or approaching storm systems—but it can also occur in perfectly clear skies, such as during Clear Air Turbulence (CAT). Recognizing the signs and knowing where turbulence is likely to form helps pilots plan smoother, safer routes.
Is Turbulence Difficult for Pilots?
For trained pilots, turbulence is not difficult—it’s a normal part of flight operations. While it can feel uncomfortable to passengers, pilots are highly skilled at managing it calmly and efficiently. They are trained to anticipate turbulence, adjust flight paths or altitudes accordingly, and keep the aircraft within safe operating limits. Commercial aircraft are also designed to withstand far more stress than turbulence ever delivers, so pilots focus more on minimizing discomfort than worrying about structural safety.
Tips for Handling Turbulence
There are plenty of ways student pilots can learn to prepare for handling turbulence. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Plan ahead.
- Stay informed.
- Fly smoothly. Maintain proper attitude and airspeed. Avoid overcorrecting.
- Adjust altitude when necessary. This may reduce or even eliminate turbulence.
- Slow to turbulence penetration speed. This reduces stress on the airframe during moderate to severe bumps.
- Communicate with passengers and crew.
- Keep calm. This helps stay focused and maintain safety and confidence in the cockpit.
With these tips in mind, as well as your flight school course training, you can train to handle turbulence with confidence.
Safety Precautions
Pilots take several proactive steps to keep turbulence from becoming a safety concern for passengers on commercial flights. Coordinating with the cabin crew ensures the safety of all passengers during bumpy conditions. In turbulence, the seatbelt sign goes on to protect passengers from harming themselves in unsteady turbulence. In addition, crew can help secure loose items that could cause damage or harm in the cabin.
Pilots are trained to recognize known hazard areas, allowing them to avoid some of those areas altogether. All pilot training courses prepare pilots to handle turbulence with safety as a priority.