Turbulence
Irregular air movement that shakes the aircraft — the leading cause of in-flight injury, mostly to unbelted passengers and working crew.
Definition
Turbulence is disturbed airflow that causes the aircraft to move abruptly, from light chop to severe jolts. It comes from convective weather, jet streams, mountain waves and the wake of other aircraft; clear-air turbulence is the dangerous kind because it strikes without cloud or warning. It rarely threatens the aircraft but it is the leading cause of injury on board, overwhelmingly to people who are not strapped in — and cabin crew are the people most often unstrapped.
What it means for you
Turbulence is your occupational injury risk: crew are hurt by trolleys, hot liquids and ceilings far more often than passengers, and airlines are tightening the rules on service in rough air. The flight deck's call — "cabin crew, take your seats" — overrides service, and your own judgement to sit down and secure the trolley when the aircraft starts moving is expected, not optional.
In practice
Climbing out of Singapore into monsoon buildups, a Singapore Airlines purser stops the meal service, has the trolleys locked in the galleys and the crew seated on the captain's call, and resumes twenty minutes later once the ride settles.
Related terms
4 terms- Seatbelt signSafety & trainingThe illuminated sign controlled by the pilots that obliges passengers to sit and belt up — and tells crew what service is allowed.
- Cabin secureSafety & trainingThe crew's confirmation to the flight deck that the cabin is ready for take-off or landing: seatbelts, galleys, exits and crew seated.
- TrolleyAircraft & cabinThe wheeled galley cart crew push through the aisle for meals, bar and duty-free — heavy, braked and the source of most crew back injuries.
- FatigueCrew lifeReduced alertness from sleep loss and circadian disruption — a regulated safety issue with a reporting system you are obliged to use.