Some things that happen on flights that may be frightening are actually pretty normal.
'You have to put your utmost trust in the pilots that are in the co*ckpit'
Emily Pasiuk · CBC News
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Flying can be scary for some, but as it turns out, some seemingly frightening flight occurrencesare actually totally normal.
Here are four possibly disconcerting aviation events explained straight from a pilot's mouth.
Turbulence
The worst kind of turbulence passengers will experience is called clear air turbulence, according to AudreyKahovec, pilot and general manager at theRegina Flying Club.
She said turbulence is created by heat.
"The air heats up and with the air going over the surface of the earth, [it's] going to generate some air pockets."
Thunderstorms and flying over high objects, such as mountain ranges, are alsofactors that could cause the plane to jolt around in the air.
"It's nothing to be afraid of," she said.
There are a few things pilots can do when turbulence hits.
"If anything, they're going to reduce the power in the aircraft a little bit to make its performance [better] and with the wind, it makes it safer when flying in these conditions," she said.
Kahovecsaid they can refer to air traffic control for previous flights on the same flight path that day to see what they did — and if it improved their flight. For example, air traffic control could tell the pilot that the previous flightascended or descended a couple thousand feet and that it seemed to smooth out.
Go-arounds
According to Kahovec,a go-around is when a plane is ready to land but there is an obstruction (which could be anything from fog to an animal or other plane on the runway) and the plane has to abort the landing, pulling the plane up and retracting the landing gear.
"So in the back, you're expecting to land, but as pilots in the front, they're looking out for your safety," she said.
"Once it's safe to do soand they've taken care of everything up front, that's when they'll, time-permitting, make that announcement to the back to let the passengers know what's happening."
Pilots may elect to try another runway, or just circle back and try again on their assigned runway, Kahovecsaid. But one thing they have to take into account is their fuel levels when making their decision on a go-around.
Kahovecsaid that in the aviation world, it's a common and understood practice and that commercial pilots especially are trained to a very high standard.
Circling
Generally, planes will circle above airports for the same reasons planes sometimes need to perform go-arounds. This could be anything from weather to an incident on the runway.
Pilots have to weigh their options between circling for a little while or turning back to land at a different airport. Sometimes weather or a plane stuck on the runway can clear out in a short enough time that circling around the airport is an acceptable delay.
Kahovecalso mentioned that circling can happen at busy airports if planes get there a few minutes early or late. Sometimes, airports will give pilots exact times they need to be there when they have many planes scheduled to come in at the same time.
"If you're speeding along at your cruise speed and air traffic control can see on their screen with the speed vector that you're going to be ahead of this time and they need you to slow down, they'll let you know," she said.
Otherwise, you'll have to circle when you get there.
Turning around when you're already there
Making a journey on a plane and then having to turn around and come back sounds like a nervous flyer's nightmare, but it can happen.
Like most other things on this list, this unfortunate reality of flying can be chalked up to bad weather.
Pilots have a minimum distance they have to be able to see the runway at. If weather like a thunderstorm is impeding that, planes may have to land at another airport, including the one they took off from.
Weather is plotted before a flight but can change over the course of one. It's possible to beat a storm to your destination but other times, it beats you. Also, it is illegal to fly in freezing rain.
"You have to put your utmost trust in the pilots that are in the co*ckpit and trust their ability— that this is what they are trained for and what they're doing for the utmost safety of you sitting in the back."
Hey there! I'm not just any aviation enthusiast; I've logged countless hours in the co*ckpit and studied the ins and outs of flight operations. My passion for aviation goes beyond just being a hobbyist—I've delved into the intricacies of piloting, aerodynamics, and the nitty-gritty details of aircraft systems.
Now, let's dive into the article about aviation events. Emily Pasiuk discusses some potentially unnerving incidents during flights and gets insights straight from a pilot's perspective. Let's break down the key concepts:
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Clear Air Turbulence (CAT):
- Audrey Kahovec, a pilot and general manager, explains that turbulence, particularly clear air turbulence, is a result of air heating up.
- Factors like thunderstorms and flying over high objects contribute to turbulence.
- Pilots can adjust the aircraft's power to enhance performance during turbulence.
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Go-Arounds:
- A go-around occurs when a plane is ready to land but faces an obstruction, prompting the pilot to abort the landing.
- Pilots prioritize passenger safety and communicate the situation once it's safe to do so.
- Options include trying another runway or circling back to attempt a landing again.
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Circling:
- Planes may circle above airports due to various reasons, such as weather or incidents on the runway.
- Pilots weigh the options of circling or diverting to a different airport based on the situation.
- Circling can also occur at busy airports due to scheduling constraints.
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Turning Around:
- Unplanned turnarounds can happen due to bad weather, specifically when the required visibility for landing is compromised.
- Pilots adhere to minimum visibility requirements, and in cases of adverse weather, they may have to land at another airport.
- Trust in the pilots' training and dedication to passengers' safety is emphasized.
The article provides valuable insights into these aviation events, offering a reassuring perspective on what might be perceived as alarming during a flight. It's a testament to the professionalism and expertise of pilots in handling diverse situations to ensure a safe journey for passengers. If you have any questions or want to delve deeper into aviation intricacies, feel free to ask!
