Pilot Explains the Science of Turbulence | WSJ Travel Guides
Turbulence isn’t entirely predictable, according to pilot Stuart Walker. Flights can be impacted by four different types of turbulence: clear-air turbulence, thermal turbulence, mechanical turbulence and wake turbulence. But how does turbulence happen in clear skies?
Walker, who has decades of experience flying planes, explains each type of turbulence and what pilots can do to help avoid a bumpy ride for passengers in flight.
0:00 Types of turbulence 0:39 Clear-air turbulence 2:08 Thermal turbulence 3:41 Mechanical turbulence 5:11 Wake turbulence 6:22 Tips for fliers