s4story -- A TUI pilot has explained what really happens when a plane hits turbulence - revealing that some types can strike with no visible warning.

Speaking to SlotsLV (https://www.slots.lv/), he explains what causes turbulence, how pilots know it is coming and what they do when conditions become severe.

What causes turbulence?

The pilot said:

"There are a number of different types of turbulence. Storm clouds and other types of connective clouds usually have turbulence associated with them due to strong updrafts and downdrafts etc, so we can usually see these in advance and, in the case of storm clouds, steer well clear of them!"

But not all turbulence is visible.

"In other cases, we can encounter 'clear air turbulence', which is exactly what it says on the tin, just disturbances and currents in the air which are invisible to us!"

Can pilots tell when turbulence is coming?

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Pilots can often get warnings from aircraft ahead.

He said:

"If the turbulence is uncomfortable, other pilots in the area will usually report it on the radio, so we can get a rough idea of which levels are turbulent in which areas and try our best to avoid it, within reason."

Is turbulence dangerous?

Despite how dramatic it can feel, the pilot says aircraft are built to cope with far greater forces.

"Aircraft are designed to withstand much more extreme forces on their structures than we would normally encounter, and so turbulence is nothing to be afraid of."

What happens if turbulence gets severe?

Pilots can change route or altitude to escape rough air.

"If it starts to get very severe, then we will have to find a way out of it, either by re-routing, or climbing or descending."

But he says the bigger immediate risk is often inside the cabin.

"Even then, the risk comes from unsecured objects moving around in the cabin, rather than the aircraft itself becoming damaged, which is why we put the seat belt sign on and the cabin crew 'secure the cabin' if the turbulence becomes more than light."

"But again, this isn't something to be concerned about, it's mainly for comfort and safety inside the cabin!"