A recent incident on Air Canada Flight AC33 involving severe clear-air turbulence highlighted the growing concern of climate change exacerbating air turbulence. During the flight, passengers like Luke Wheeldon and Linda Woodhouse experienced a sudden and violent jolt, causing injuries and panic among travelers.
Severe clear-air turbulence, which occurs unexpectedly even in clear skies, has been linked to climate change by researchers. The phenomenon is becoming more frequent due to temperature changes in the upper atmosphere, particularly in the jet stream where strong winds interact, creating turbulent conditions.
Despite advancements in forecasting algorithms to predict turbulence better, the challenge remains significant. Scientists are exploring innovative solutions, such as studying birds’ flight mechanics to improve aircraft stability in adverse conditions like turbulence. Aimy Wissa, an aerospace and mechanical engineering professor at Princeton University, leads a lab that mimics bird flight techniques to enhance aircraft performance during unexpected turbulence.
The research team’s experiments using plastic flaps inspired by bird feathers showed promising results in reducing aircraft stalling and enhancing stability. While these findings are not yet ready for commercial application, they offer exciting prospects for future aviation technologies.
For passengers like Linda Woodhouse and Luke Wheeldon, the traumatic experience underscores the importance of wearing seatbelts during flights for safety. Experts emphasize the critical role of seatbelts in preventing injuries during turbulence incidents, making it a fundamental safety practice for all air travelers.