Turbulence, often considered a major cause of fear for flying, is discussed by Jay Roberts, a former senior cabin crew member for Emirates Airlines and the creator of the Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge network. Roberts shares valuable insights on why turbulence should not be feared, shedding light on what occurs inside a plane during severe turbulence and how infrequently it actually happens.
When asked about advice for anxious passengers experiencing turbulence, Roberts reveals that most airline crew actually enjoy turbulence, as revealed in a poll conducted on the Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge network, the largest community of airline staff on social media. Roberts explains that he is not afraid of turbulence because he is aware of flight history data that proves planes do not crash because of turbulence. Drawing from personal experience, he explains that severe turbulence is a rare occurrence. Thus, when he encounters turbulence as a passenger or crew member, he sees it as a thrilling rollercoaster ride and enjoys it, like an inner child.
Additionally, Roberts points out that moderate turbulence actually provides a welcome break for operating flight attendants, allowing them to sit down and take a timeout from fulfilling passenger requests. It is one of the few times when they can ignore service call bells.
Roberts then discusses the signs that indicate an escalation in the severity of turbulence during a flight. He explains that the cabin crew can serve as a good measure of the threat level by observing their behavior. During mild turbulence, the crew remains active in the cabin or galley, continuing with their duties while the seatbelt sign is turned on. In moderate turbulence, the crew’s attitude becomes more serious as they secure the cabin, pause hot drink service, and advise passengers to take their seats due to difficulties in walking. In severe turbulence, passengers experience no doubt about the category of turbulence, as flight attendants are instructed to be seated immediately, services stop instantly, and the aircraft undergoes aggressive altitude changes.
Despite discussing severe turbulence, Roberts stresses that it is a rare occurrence. Despite his 13 years as cabin crew on long-haul flights in areas known for turbulent air, he never experienced severe turbulence. However, he mentions colleagues whose careers ended due to injuries resulting from rare encounters with severe turbulence, which is why he always keeps his seatbelt fastened when traveling as a passenger.
Roberts confesses that turbulence never scared him and, in fact, he looked forward to it at times. In certain areas, like the airspace around Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, moderate turbulence is guaranteed. During these flights, Roberts would plan his breaks in the crew bunks to coincide with flying past these areas. The turbulence would rock him to sleep and provide a deeper rest during his break.
When asked if he encountered crew members who panicked during turbulence, Roberts explains that experienced cabin crew members do not react strongly to turbulence, similar to seasoned sailors in rough waters. However, new crew members often attempt to hide their panic to avoid alarming passengers, while others may completely lose their composure. Roberts remembers mentoring and supervising newer flight attendants who were scared and upset by turbulence since they had never flown before becoming flight attendants.
Roberts shares his experience of the worst turbulence he encountered, which was while flying within the United States, due to the violent weather caused by the clash of cold air from Canada and warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. However, even with all his years of flying, he never experienced severe turbulence or witnessed any injuries caused by it.
In terms of training for dealing with nervous passengers, Roberts explains that cabin crew are trained to prepare for, manage, and provide immediate care for injuries resulting from turbulence. Medical training focuses on head, neck, and spine injuries commonly associated with severe turbulence. Additionally, they are taught to treat burns caused by hot liquids during turbulence. Managing anxiety attacks is also a skill taught during their training. Roberts shares an experience where he used his training to assist a passenger who experienced a severe panic attack during turbulence. He provided reassurance and comfort, handling the situation with utmost care.
In conclusion, Jay Roberts offers a unique perspective on turbulence, dispelling fears and providing valuable insights into the experiences and training of airline crew members. Despite turbulence being a common trigger for fear of flying, Roberts emphasizes that severe turbulence is rare, and most crew members actually enjoy it.
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