Pilot Addresses Rising Turbulence Concerns: Is Air Travel Becoming More Dangerous? A recent video by pilot Perico Durán has shed light on growing concerns regarding air turbulence, particularly severe clear-air turbulence, in the context of climate change. Durán, an A320 Commander, explained that scientific studies predict a significant increase in turbulence in the coming years, with severe cases potentially doubling or tripling. According to Durán, the primary reason for this anticipated increase is the uneven warming of the planet. "The planet is heating up, but not uniformly," he stated. "The tropics are warming faster than the poles, and that difference generates instability in the atmosphere. This intensifies jet streams, which is where clear-air turbulence occurs—the most difficult to detect because it doesn't appear on weather radar." Despite this "bad news," Durán offered two crucial reassurances. Firstly, he highlighted the significant advancements in aviation technology. "With more computing power, better computers, artificial intelligence, more precise algorithms, and real-time reports from other flights, we can predict and avoid many turbulence zones and plan safer and more comfortable routes," he explained. Secondly, and most importantly for passenger safety, Durán stressed that turbulence does not pose a danger to the aircraft itself. "Turbulence is not dangerous for the plane," he affirmed. "Aircraft are designed to withstand it without problems, and never in the history of aviation has there been an accident caused solely by clear-air turbulence." He concluded by advising passengers, especially those with a fear of flying, to always keep their seatbelts fastened, even when the sign is off, to protect against unexpected movements.
Los estudios indican que el cambio climático aumentará las turbulencias en los aviones, especialmente las severas, debido al calentamiento desigual d…
