Buckle Up!

According to a 2024 study, aircraft encounter moderate to severe turbulence 68,000 times every year. Turbulence is defined as an irregular motion of the air caused by eddies and vertical currents, and is associated with weather events such as fronts, wind shear, and thunderstorms. The aircraft are equipped with sophisticated weather radar systems that can successfully predict around 75% of turbulence up to 18 hours ahead. However, not all turbulence is predictable. Especially clear air turbulence, which occurs in clear skies near jet streams, is invisible to radar, making it difficult to detect.

Clear air turbulence is especially dangerous as it accounts for the majority of turbulence-related injuries. Turbulence-related injuries could range from nausea to serious damage, including bone/spine injuries and death. Last year, a Singapore Airlines flight from London encountered severe turbulence: 31 people were injured, and one died. And even last week, Delta Flight 56 en route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam had to divert because of severe air turbulence. The event left 25 people injured and several hospitalized. 

Plane service carts, food items thrown about after turbulence onboard Delta Flight 56.Obtained by KSTU)

The question we must ask is, why are these incidents becoming more frequent? It is because Climate change is increasing the temperature difference between the warm and cold air masses that collide to form the jet stream in the upper atmosphere, causing clear air turbulence. To combat this detrimental issue, scientists have been experimenting with LIDAR, a laser detection technology, to adequately warn the pilot, giving them time to secure the cabin. Currently, experiments are still ongoing with the European Space Agency and Airbus towards the implementation in commercial-grade systems. As of now, the technology is predicted to be implemented in commercial airlines by 2031.