Aviation

How Pilots Handle Turbulence During Commercial Flights

When pilots encounter turbulence while flying commercial airplanes, their response varies depending on the severity of the turbulence.

Just as ocean waves break on a beach, air also forms waves as it encounters mountains. While some air passes smoothly over and onward, some air masses crowd against the mountains themselves, left with nowhere to go but up. These “mountain waves” can propagate as wide, gentle oscillations into the atmosphere, but they can also break up into many tumultuous currents, which we experience as turbulence.

Pilots are trained to manage turbulence through a series of well-defined procedures. Initially, they will ensure that passengers and crew are seated and securely fastened by turning on the fasten seatbelt sign. Communication is key, so the flight crew will inform passengers of the situation, providing reassurance and instructions to remain seated.

In mild turbulence, pilots might make small adjustments to the aircraft’s speed and altitude to find a smoother flight path. They rely on weather radar and reports from other pilots to navigate around or through turbulent areas. In more severe turbulence, pilots may request a different flight level from air traffic control to avoid the turbulent airspace.

Modern aircraft are designed to handle a significant amount of stress, but pilots will still slow the aircraft to its “turbulence penetration speed” to minimize the forces on the airframe. This speed is lower than the cruising speed and allows the plane to safely absorb the impacts of turbulence without compromising structural integrity.

Furthermore, pilots continuously monitor the aircraft’s systems and performance during turbulence. Autopilot systems are often engaged to help maintain stability and control. However, pilots are ready to take manual control if necessary, ensuring the safety and comfort of everyone on board.

Aviation

Air India to Implement Fatigue Report Verification for Flight Crew

Air India is set to implement a new internal policy starting October 1, aimed at verifying the authenticity of fatigue reports submitted by its flight crew. Reports deemed “unsubstantiated” will be reclassified as “sick leave.”

This initiative is part of a broader set of measures designed to boost operational efficiencies in preparation for Air India‘s merger with Vistara. While officials promote the policy as a step towards improved operational integrity, it has sparked significant concern among pilots.

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Many feel that this approach could deter them from reporting genuine fatigue, which is crucial for maintaining flight safety. One pilot expressed, “This policy needs to be reconsidered. Rather than questioning whether a pilot is experiencing ‘fatigue’ or is ‘sick,’ the airline should extend trust to its pilots in all areas.”

Another echoed these sentiments, stating, “We may hesitate to report ‘fatigue’ if it risks being classified as ‘sick leave.’” The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) defines fatigue reports as formal documents filed by flight crew members to indicate excessive tiredness that could impair their performance.

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In response to concerns, air india refurbishment clarified that the new Fatigue Protocol is in line with global best practices and is intended as a non-punitive measure. To safeguard crew well-being, the airline plans to utilize scientific tools such as Jeppesen and the Boeing Alertness Model (BAM).

Under the new policy, if a crew member reports fatigue within 12 hours of their scheduled duty, the report will be recorded as “Fatigue,” triggering immediate escalation to scheduling management and flight safety departments. This move aims to prioritize crew welfare while addressing operational demands.

Additionally, recent regulations have increased weekly rest periods for flight crews from 36 to 48 hours, a change pilots have welcomed, though airlines have expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting these new standards. The DGCA had initially set deadlines for compliance but reversed its decision after airlines raised apprehensions about potential reductions in flight capacity.