When a plane hits turbulence in the air, will the turbulence decrease if the pilot slows the plane down?

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nectar_pepsi

In theory the turbulence probably would be reduced, but I seriously doubt the pilot actually slows the plane down. I think any slowing down of the plane you think you are experiencing is just in your imagination. When a plane hits turbulence the way the pilot deals with it is just to do nothing and let the plane ride it out really. Once that burst of turbulence is over he might climb or descend slightly to find smoother air. But he is unlikely to slow the plane down in the middle of a burst of turbulence. In fact during the middle portion of a flight the pilot doesn't do much to change the speed of the aircraft at all. The plane usually just reaches its top crusing speed and stays there. If the pilot were to slow the plane down it would take a long time to get back up to crusing speed because the air is so thin at crusing height the engines are unable to provide enough thrust to produce acceleration.

Zeltar

LOL - No.

Turbulence is not related to speed. Imagine air is like water, and the plane is like a boat. When the water is smooth, the boat ride is smooth. When the water is rough (i.e. lots of waves), then you're pounded around in the boat. The plane is the same. When the air is rough, you'll get pounded around a lot. Like in a boat, you can slow down to lesson the impact of the turbulence, but it doesn't change the size of those air pockets.

ethansma24

It could very well be what feels like the plane slowing down, is them actually changing altitude looking for a smoother ride. If there is bad turbulence they usually request a different cruising altitude from ATC.

sloanb21

No, i am a pilot for pleasure not for comercial use though.

ROBERT TAKER

yes or no depends on the type of plane

Issa

I have never flown above 7000ft but in my experience the faster you go the less turbulance you feel.

Anthony C

yes it will.

Felipe

idk the air still hits the airplane but it not a good idea to slow down alot or it migth cause the airplane to stall you know

Cameron M

^^^ Exactly

irshedove

what difference does it make if u know??
once ure on the ground ure safe...go home forget the flight FFS

Something Smells Fishy

Turbulence is from the plane hitting different currents in the air. If the plane slows the turbulence should be reduced. It's like driving over potholes in a car; it's not as bad if you drive slower.

MichelleK

yes because it's not safe accelerating when your going through turbulence.

B J

By slowing down the plane it allows for a smoother ride through the air currents so the pockets don't form as frequent.

aolbostonfinance

cleavland steamer

4score

Yes just the same as if you were driving down a pot hole filled road in your car! You wouldnt hit the accelerator would ya?

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