While some like it rough, most air travelers prefer a completely smooth ride at 30,000 feet in the sky.
However, if an Airbus hits a few bumps, this pilot says his hack will help anxious flyers get over the bump.
“Are you afraid to fly?” Captain Steve, an American Airlines pilot of his 862, asked TikTok viewers. “You’re not alone. A lot of people are afraid of flying, and it’s usually because of the turbulence.”
The pro winger went on to explain that turbulence, a sudden shock caused by changes in air pressure and flow speed, is “no big deal” and compared the phenomena to the turbulence of river currents.
“Sometimes it’s really smooth like a lake, sometimes it’s a little faster where the water picks up speed,” he said. “Sometimes it’s really fast like white water rafting – well air currents are no different.”
Despite Captain Steve’s comforting words, the turbulence in the air is, for many, little more frightening than a rough stretch of water.
A recent AirCanada flight from Vancouver to Singapore hit several “huge bumps” that sent passengers flying around the plane in shock.
And Eden Garrity, 31, a flight attendant in the United Kingdom, was left with a broken leg that broke in seven places after her plane endured severe turbulence.
Researchers claim that potentially dangerous outages are occurring more frequently due to climate change.
A 2023 study found that over the North Atlantic, which is one of the busiest flyways, the total annual duration of severe turbulence increased by 55% between 1979 and 2020.
According to the report, moderate turbulence increased by 37%, and light turbulence increased by 17%.
But these numbers shouldn’t put people off flying altogether.
Instead, Captain Steve says having a pre-flight chat with the flight crew can put the most terrified traveler’s mind at ease.
“Before you take off and get on the plane, ask the flight attendant if you can go up and see the pilot,” he suggested. “Ask them the flight route, tell them you’re a nervous flyer.”
The airline assured that its colleagues would happily work out their travel plans, including any foreseeable bumps, to reassure worries that all will be well.
“This safety will make all the difference the next time you fly a jet plane,” he said. “Fly safe.â€
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Image Source : nypost.com