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AA1253 · 2025-05-01
AA1253
4h 49m
Moderate turbulence
ORD
SFO
Airplane
Chicago
San Francisco
United States
United States
May 1, 2025, 12:06 PM
May 1, 2025, 2:55 PM
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does moderate turbulence mean?

Moderate turbulence involves more pronounced movements of the aircraft, including sudden jolts or drops. While it can cause unsecured items to shift and may lead to spilled drinks, moderate turbulence is within the aircraft's safety capabilities. Passengers are strongly advised to stay seated with their seatbelts securely fastened, and the cabin crew may pause in-flight services for safety.

Pilots are skilled in navigating through or around moderate turbulence by possibly altering the flight's altitude or path. Despite the unsettling feeling it may induce, moderate turbulence is a manageable atmospheric condition that does not compromise the aircraft's safety.

How is the turbulence forecast made?

The core of this forecast lies in the utilization of the Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), a scientific measure that quantifies the rate at which turbulent kinetic energy is dissipated in the atmosphere.

A heuristic algorithm processes the combined data of EDR values and flight routes to estimate where and when turbulence might occur. The model of the algorithm has been refined over years of observational data. We are providing these forecasts since 2015

Is turbulence dangerous?

Airplanes are designed with safety as the foremost consideration, equipped to handle a wide range of atmospheric conditions, including turbulence. The structure of an aircraft is engineered to withstand much greater stress than what is typically encountered during turbulent flights. The wings, for example, are flexible and built to flex in response to turbulence, absorbing and dissipating the energy much like a spring does with physical forces. This inherent resilience ensures that the aircraft can pass through turbulent air with stability. Moreover, pilots receive extensive training on how to navigate through turbulent areas safely, making use of advanced avionics and weather forecasting tools to adjust the flight path and minimize discomfort.

In addition to the aircraft's robust design and pilot expertise, the aviation industry follows rigorous safety protocols. These include pre-flight planning and in-flight adjustments based on real-time weather updates, including forecasts of Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) values that predict turbulence intensity. While turbulence can be uncomfortable, it rarely poses a serious safety risk to a well-maintained aircraft operated by a professional crew. Safety measures and protocols are continuously reviewed and updated based on the latest research and technological advancements, ensuring that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Passengers can take comfort in knowing that every aspect of their flight, including potential encounters with turbulence, has been meticulously planned and prepared for with safety as the paramount priority.

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