Turbulence

Turbulence forecasts can cause unnecessary anticipatory anxiety. Anxiety can be avoided by understanding that pilots have little interest in turbulence forecasts.

1. Turbulence forecasts only define where turbulence may develop.
2. Pilots regard turbulence - not as a safety issue - but as an inconvenience that may keep flight attendants from serving food or beverages.
3. If other pilots report turbulence ahead at the same altitude, pilots ask for a turbulence-free altitude so food or beverages can be served - not for safety reasons.
4. Sometimes there are no turbulence-free altitudes when they are occupied by other planes.

Turbulence - Not A Safety Problem

On a cargo flight, pilots don't bother to change altitudes. They are accustomed to turbulence and know it is not a threat to the plane. Turbulence is a psychological problem for the passenger whose only means of regulating anxiety is to avoid awareness of the flight. When turbulence intrudes, the flight cannot be kept out of mind, and the person loses control.