By Wisam Costandi  

12th June 2024

In the world of aviation, one of the most elusive and underestimated challenges is invisible turbulence, also known as Clear Air Turbulence (CAT).   

Despite advancements in technology, this phenomenon remains difficult to predict and navigate.   

As we strive for safer and more comfortable air travel, there is a significant opportunity for innovation in this critical area.   

Which is why we invite researchers, technologists, and innovators to join us in tackling this challenge.  

At EMMA Systems, we are dedicated to supporting groundbreaking solutions that can enhance our understanding and management of invisible turbulence.   

Whether through advanced detection systems, predictive models, or other technological innovations, we believe that collaboration and investment in new ideas will lead to safer skies for everyone. If you have a project or concept aimed at addressing invisible turbulence, we want to hear from you.  

Understanding Invisible Turbulence 

Turbulence is a common concern for many passengers and pilots alike. While visible turbulence caused by weather patterns or geographical features can be anticipated and navigated, invisible turbulence presents a unique and often underestimated challenge in aviation.  

What is Invisible Turbulence? 

Invisible turbulence occurs in clear, cloudless skies where there are no visible signs of disturbance such as clouds or storms. This type of turbulence is not detected by conventional onboard radar systems, making it particularly tricky for pilots to predict and avoid. It often occurs at high altitudes, typically between 6,000 and 12,000 meters (about 7.46 mi), where commercial aircraft cruise.  

Causes of Invisible Turbulence 

Invisible turbulence can be caused by several atmospheric phenomena, including: 

• Jet Streams: Fast flowing, narrow air currents found in the atmosphere can create shear zones where CAT is likely to occur. The rapid changes in wind speed and direction within these streams can lead to significant turbulence. 
• Thermal Gradients: Variations in temperature at different altitudes can cause pockets of turbulent air. When warm air rises and mixes with cooler air, it can create instability and turbulence. 
• Mountain Waves: As air flows over mountain ranges, it can create waves that propagate through the atmosphere. These waves can extend far from the mountains and cause turbulence at high altitudes. 
• Weather Fronts: The boundaries between different air masses, such as cold and warm fronts, can create turbulence. These fronts are often invisible to radar but can be detected by other meteorological instruments.       

Detection and Mitigation 

Since invisible turbulence cannot be seen or detected by standard radar, pilots rely on other methods to anticipate and manage it:  

• Pilot Reports (PIREPs): Pilots near turbulent areas often report their experiences, providing valuable information to others flying the same routes. These reports help build a real-time picture of turbulent conditions. 
• Weather Forecasts: Advanced meteorological models and satellite data help predict areas where CAT is likely. These forecasts are used by airlines to plan routes that minimize the risk of encountering turbulence. 
• Onboard Technology: Some modern aircraft are equipped with LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, which can detect wind patterns and potential turbulence ahead. These systems are still being developed and refined but offer promising advancements in turbulence detection. 
• Flight Planning: Airlines and flight planners use historical data and turbulence forecasts to design flight paths that avoid known turbulent areas. This proactive approach helps reduce the likelihood of encountering turbulence during a flight.   

Impact on Flights and Safety 

While invisible turbulence can be unsettling for passengers, modern aircraft are designed to handle these conditions safely. Turbulence rarely poses a threat to the structural integrity of an aircraft, but it can cause discomfort and injuries if passengers are not properly seated and belted in. Airlines emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times during a flight, even when the seatbelt sign is off, to protect against unexpected turbulence.  

How this affects Airport Operations 

Invisible turbulence doesn't just affect flights in the air; it has a significant impact on airport operations as well. Delays and diversions caused by turbulence can lead to cascading effects throughout an airport's schedule, affecting everything from gate assignments to baggage handling. This is where advanced airport systems, such as Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM), come into play.  

A-CDM is a system that enhances the efficiency of airport operations by improving the way information is shared among airport stakeholders, including airlines, air traffic control, ground handlers, and airport operators. By incorporating real-time data on invisible turbulence and its potential impacts, A-CDM can help airports better anticipate and respond to disruptions.  

How EMMA Systems Can Help  

At EMMA Systems, we specialize in optimizing airport operations; by integrating advanced turbulence detection and forecasting data into our platform, we can provide airports with the tools they need to manage the impacts of invisible turbulence more effectively. Here’s how we can help: 

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Providing real-time turbulence data to all airport stakeholders ensures everyone has the same information, allowing for more coordinated responses to turbulence-related disruptions. 
• Proactive Decision-Making: With accurate turbulence forecasts, airports can make proactive decisions about flight schedules, gate assignments, and ground operations to minimize the impact of turbulence on overall operations. 
• Improved Passenger Experience: By reducing delays and ensuring smoother operations, passengers experience fewer disruptions, leading to higher satisfaction and safety. 
• Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging historical turbulence data and predictive analytics, we help airports identify patterns and develop strategies to mitigate the effects of turbulence on operations.  

Join Us in Innovating for Safer Skies 

 As we continue to advance in aviation technology, there remains a significant opportunity to improve our understanding and management of invisible turbulence. This is a call to all innovators, researchers, and technology developers: we need your ideas, creativity, and solutions to tackle this hidden challenge.  

At EMMA Systems, we are committed to supporting innovation in this critical area. We believe that through collaboration and investment in new technologies, we can make air travel even safer and more comfortable for everyone. If you have an innovative idea or project aimed at addressing invisible turbulence, we want to hear from you. Together, we can pioneer the next generation of solutions to make the skies safer for all. Share your idea with us here.