Flying got you anxious? Pilot reveals hidden 'pothole' trick to secure the smoothest seat on the plane!
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We all want a smooth journey when flying, but turbulence can make it hard to relax. Now did you know there’s an easy trick to help you find the most comfortable seat on the plane?
Pilot Jimmy Nicholson, from Sydney, has a tip to help anxious flyers brave the skies. Nicholson took to social media to explain the 'potholes' trick, which he explained can help travellers cope with turbulence.
'Let’s give you an easy explanation. When we drive a car on a road, on a freeway, it’s smooth, there’s no bumps. There’s a smooth ride. When you go off the freeway onto a road, maybe a dirt road, there’s potholes. What happens? It gets bumpy. So turbulence is like going over these potholes.'
Nicholson also gave advice on where the most smooth seats on a plane are located.
'If you want to experience less turbulence, it’s best to sit at the front of the plane. If you sit at the front of the aircraft, you are going to experience less turbulence on your journey. If you’re at the back, it’s gonna be a little bit more bumpy. So if you are scared of flying or you feel sick when you experience turbulence, sit up at the front of the aircraft–that would be my hot tip.'
To further put passengers at ease, Nicholson reassures nervous flyers that the aircraft will never 'fall out of the sky' and that turbulence should only last for a few minutes.
'We will either climb, descend, or try and get you out of the turbulence,' he said. 'So if anything, it’ll be a couple of minutes and it’s annoying. But don’t worry, we’re not stressed about it. We slow the aircraft down–just like how you would slow down to go over the potholes on a dirt road.'
Nicholson’s videos have been viewed an impressive one million times in total–with many nervous flyers thanking him for his reassuring tips. ‘Makes me feel safer thank you’, one user commented. While another user said ‘I am a very nervous flyer so thanks for this.’
Another tip he gave for those feeling sick while flying–look for a visual reference by looking outside the window and at the horizon to help steady your nerves.
Safety Protocol During Turbulence
Even though turbulence can make some of us feel a bit nervous, there are safety protocols specifically designed to ensure your comfort and security during these episodes. Like what Nicholson said, turbulence is a standard part of flying that pilots prepare for in every flight.
When we anticipate turbulence, one of the first actions taken by the pilot is to turn on the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign. This is a key part of their standard procedure and the first signal that bumpy air might be ahead. Passengers must heed this sign immediately, not just for their safety but also for those around them.
The safety protocol doesn’t end there, pilots also have a set period during which they must slow the aircraft down to a 'turbulence penetration speed' to ensure maximum safety for all onboard and to keep the ride as steady as possible.
Pilots will then make course or altitude changes as needed to navigate rough spots and give the passengers the smoothest possible.
And remember the flight attendants who play a crucial role in maintaining calm during turbulence. They are trained to handle turbulence and will ensure passengers are seated and buckled up when the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign is on. Remember, turbulence is a normal part of the flight, and your pilot and crew are well-trained to handle it.
Of course, safety when travelling by air goes beyond turbulence, so there’s a lot more to keep in mind when flying.
What seat will you be booking for your next flight? Let us know in the comments section below. And fly safe, dear members!
Turbulence during a flight can make it hard for some travellers to relax. Image source: wirestock on Freepik.
Pilot Jimmy Nicholson, from Sydney, has a tip to help anxious flyers brave the skies. Nicholson took to social media to explain the 'potholes' trick, which he explained can help travellers cope with turbulence.
'Let’s give you an easy explanation. When we drive a car on a road, on a freeway, it’s smooth, there’s no bumps. There’s a smooth ride. When you go off the freeway onto a road, maybe a dirt road, there’s potholes. What happens? It gets bumpy. So turbulence is like going over these potholes.'
Nicholson also gave advice on where the most smooth seats on a plane are located.
According to Nicholson, it’s best to sit at the front of the plane if you want to experience less turbulence. Image source: Quora.
'If you want to experience less turbulence, it’s best to sit at the front of the plane. If you sit at the front of the aircraft, you are going to experience less turbulence on your journey. If you’re at the back, it’s gonna be a little bit more bumpy. So if you are scared of flying or you feel sick when you experience turbulence, sit up at the front of the aircraft–that would be my hot tip.'
To further put passengers at ease, Nicholson reassures nervous flyers that the aircraft will never 'fall out of the sky' and that turbulence should only last for a few minutes.
'We will either climb, descend, or try and get you out of the turbulence,' he said. 'So if anything, it’ll be a couple of minutes and it’s annoying. But don’t worry, we’re not stressed about it. We slow the aircraft down–just like how you would slow down to go over the potholes on a dirt road.'
Nicholson’s videos have been viewed an impressive one million times in total–with many nervous flyers thanking him for his reassuring tips. ‘Makes me feel safer thank you’, one user commented. While another user said ‘I am a very nervous flyer so thanks for this.’
Another tip he gave for those feeling sick while flying–look for a visual reference by looking outside the window and at the horizon to help steady your nerves.
Safety Protocol During Turbulence
Even though turbulence can make some of us feel a bit nervous, there are safety protocols specifically designed to ensure your comfort and security during these episodes. Like what Nicholson said, turbulence is a standard part of flying that pilots prepare for in every flight.
When we anticipate turbulence, one of the first actions taken by the pilot is to turn on the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign. This is a key part of their standard procedure and the first signal that bumpy air might be ahead. Passengers must heed this sign immediately, not just for their safety but also for those around them.
The safety protocol doesn’t end there, pilots also have a set period during which they must slow the aircraft down to a 'turbulence penetration speed' to ensure maximum safety for all onboard and to keep the ride as steady as possible.
Pilots will then make course or altitude changes as needed to navigate rough spots and give the passengers the smoothest possible.
And remember the flight attendants who play a crucial role in maintaining calm during turbulence. They are trained to handle turbulence and will ensure passengers are seated and buckled up when the 'Fasten Seat Belt' sign is on. Remember, turbulence is a normal part of the flight, and your pilot and crew are well-trained to handle it.
Of course, safety when travelling by air goes beyond turbulence, so there’s a lot more to keep in mind when flying.
What seat will you be booking for your next flight? Let us know in the comments section below. And fly safe, dear members!
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