Have you ever felt anxious during a bumpy flight? You're not alone - turbulence is one of the biggest fears many passengers have. However, one Aussie pilot is busting myths and sharing insider knowledge to help calm nerves.

Jimmy Nicholson may be familiar to some as the winner of The Bachelor Australia in 2020. But before finding love on reality TV, Jimmy spent over a decade working as a commercial pilot. During a recent honeymoon flight with his wife Holly, the couple experienced some of the worst turbulence Jimmy had ever felt. Ever the calm pilot even off-duty, Jimmy pulled out his phone to record the rocky ride.



In the now-viral video, Holly is understandably distressed by the violent shaking of the plane. Many viewers were shocked to see such extreme turbulence captured onboard. But Jimmy reassured viewers that all was well from a pilot's perspective. 'The pilots know exactly what they're doing,' he said, emphasising plane and passenger safety remains the top priority even during severe bumps.



Jimmy shared more insight to alleviate flying fears. 'Statistically, air travel is incredibly safe,' he explained. 'Modern airliners are engineered to withstand forces far greater than typical turbulence. The structure of the plane and its wings are designed not to break or fail, even in very rare extreme conditions.'



The practical advice

To put risks in perspective, Jimmy provided some surprising statistics. 'You'd have to fly every single day for over 25,000 years to experience a fatal airline accident,' he revealed. 'Compare that to the one in 5,000 risk of dying in a car crash. So planes are among the safest forms of transport.'



Jimmy also explained turbulence itself poses no real danger. 'Think of it like driving on a bumpy dirt road. The car doesn't fall through the potholes - it just goes over them,' he said. 'Same with planes in turbulence. We may slow down the speed a bit, but the jet remains safely in the sky due to aerodynamic forces.'

For those still feeling uneasy, Jimmy offered practical advice. 'Sit at the front of the plane if you can, as turbulence is often milder there. Look out the window at the horizon to stay oriented. And remember - pilots are highly trained and will do everything possible to keep you flying smoothly and safely.'



After seeing Jimmy's video, many seniors will no doubt feel reassured about the rare risks involved with modern air travel. With some simple science and statistics in mind, turbulence may seem a lot less terrifying!


Pilots are trained to Handle turbulence

For pilots, navigating through these unsettling moments is routine, met with calm composure. Ever wondered how they prepare for these aerial challenges?

The journey begins with years of comprehensive ground-based education. Pilots delve into the intricacies of aviation physics, with turbulence forming a crucial part of the curriculum. Understanding how turbulence occurs and predicting it through meteorological reports and onboard radar systems becomes second nature.



Moving from theory to practice, aspiring pilots transition to hyper-realistic flight simulators. These simulations expose them to various turbulence scenarios in a controlled environment, allowing them to learn and fine-tune their reactions. It's not just about knowledge; pilots develop muscle memory to respond effectively.

Even after initial training, the learning doesn't cease. Experienced pilots undergo recurrent training sessions and simulator checks to ensure their responses to challenges like turbulence remain sharp and well-practised.



So the next time you're onboard a plane and it begins to rattle and shake a bit, it might offer some comfort to remember the extensive training the pilots have received. They are well-prepared to handle these turbulent times, so you can sit back, relax, and safely enjoy your flight.

Members, have you had any ‘close calls’ when flying before? Let us know in the comments below.