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

Boeing Faces New Setbacks as 777X Delays Extend and scraps B767-300F

Boeing’s challenges continue as employees halted production due to a strike, creating new obstacles for delivering aircraft to customers. The company now faces financial losses from delays in the delivery of its boeing 777x aircraft.

Boeing recently announced that the new delivery date for the 777-9 will be in 2026, with the freighter variant scheduled for 2028. This news has been frustrating for airlines that have committed to and are waiting for the aircraft.

Mega Comparison of Boeing 777x vs A350-1000 Aircraft

The Boeing 777X program, which began in early 2019, was initially delayed to 2021 due to COVID-19 disruptions. Subsequent issues, including defects found during testing, have placed the program under scrutiny by the FAA, which insists on the aircraft meeting all safety standards before entering service. Boeing is now facing pressure from both airlines and investors.

Boeing 777x Delay

New Commercial Airplanes expects to incur pre-tax charges of $3.0 billion related to the Boeing 777X and 767 programs.

The company forecasts a $2.6 billion pre-tax charge due to the updated timeline, which accounts for delays in flight testing for the 777-9 and the impact of the IAM (International Association of Machinists) work stoppage. The first 777-9 delivery is now expected in 2026, with the 777-8 freighter following in 2028.

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at …

In addition, Boeing plans to conclude production of the 767 freighter, resulting in a $0.4 billion pre-tax charge. From 2027 onwards, the company will solely produce the 767-2C aircraft for the KC-46A Tanker program.

In August 2024, Boeing grounded its 777X test fleet after detecting a failure in a key engine mounting structure during a routine inspection. The new boeing 777x, powered by the GE9X engine, is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, but this issue has caused further setbacks.

Boeing 777x, A close-up of the engine, landing gear, and wing

Comparison of 777x vs A350

Meanwhile, the Airbus A350 continues to secure new orders from airlines, becoming a strong competitor in the wide-body aircraft segment. While the a350 vs b777 offer similar ranges, the 777X is designed to carry a heavier payload.

In other developments, Boeing has hinted at starting production of a new mid-sized aircraft, the Boeing 797, which would likely compete with the Airbus A321 XLR.