Flying can turn nerve-wracking when turbulence hits. While a bit of bumpiness is par for the course, it can be particularly unnerving for those already anxious about flying.
In a recent viral sensation, Captain Steve has taken to TikTok to reveal how pilots anticipate weather changes en route, sharing his insights with a whopping 398,000 followers. The American Airlines captain emphasised that “one of the most important things on flights is the weather especially at take-off”. So what’s the secret to forecasting tricky weather conditions?
According to Captain Steve, there’s a clever app called WSI that pilots use.
He explained the functionality of the app, stating: “Right up here in the upper right-hand corner, I put my flight number in and then my entire route of flight shows up in this purple line with all the waypoints I have to check along the way.
“This is today’s flight started in London, England, went all the way to Charlotte, North Carolina. Now along the way I can push some of these buttons down, I’ve got radar I can look at and it comes up and there’s some radar weather right there.”
Captain Steve also mentioned other features of the app, saying: “I’ve got satellite that I can look at, I can see the clouds everywhere. Then I can look at the RPM turbulence, this is the stuff that you’re really concerned about and me too.”
On his particular journey, he warned that passengers should expect a rough ride due to moderate turbulence forecasted. He concluded with a nod to the significance of such technology, remarking: “Now that’s significant meteorology.
“There’s only one today, that’s completely unusual, usually there’s a bunch more than that, and I can even look at my winds aloft, I can seen where the winds are coming from.”
Since posting the enlightening video, one viewer expressed: “Thank you Captain Steve.”
Another chimed in: “Great stuff, thanks for sharing!”
We’re all familiar with the stomach-churning sensation turbulence can cause, but it’s rarely dangerous.
Turbulence might occur when the aircraft encounters strong wind currents that can slightly jostle the plane. As Captain Steve explained, pilots can often detect these on their radars, though sometimes they can occur unexpectedly.
Therefore, if you’re not wearing your seatbelt, you might find yourself being tossed about more than your fellow passengers.