What is Turbulence?

Turbulence is air movement that normally cannot be seen and often occurs unexpectedly. It can
be created by many different conditions, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around
sky appears to be clear.

While turbulence is normal and happens often, it can be dangerous. Its bumpy ride can cause
passengers who are not wearing their seat belts to be thrown from their seats without warning.
But, by following the guidelines suggested on this site, you can help keep yourself and your
loved ones safe when traveling by air.

To keep you and your family as safe as possible during flight, FAA regulations require
passengers to be seated with their seat belts fastened:

• When the airplane leaves the gate and as it climbs after take-off.
• During landing and taxi.
• Whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated during flight.

Why is it important to follow these safety regulations? Consider this:

• In nonfatal accidents, in-flight turbulence is the leading cause of injuries to airline passengers
  and flight attendants.
• Each year, approximately 58 people in the United States are injured by turbulence while not
  wearing their seat belts.
• From 1980 through 2008, U.S. air carriers has 234 turbulence accidents*, resulting in 298
  serious injuries and 3 fatalities.
• Of the 298 serious injured, 184 involved flight attendants and 114 involved passengers.
• At least 2 of the 3 fatalities involved passengers who were not wearing their seat belts while
  the seat belt sign was illuminated.
• The National Transportation Safety Board defines an accident as an occurrence associated
  with the operations of an airplane in which any person suffers death or serious injury or in
  which the aircraft receives substantial damage.