jaymah2008
02-11-2008, 08:27 AM
Hey folks, first-time poster, periodic visitor. (http://phressure.com)
I just wanted to relate my experience with severe turbulence yesterday afternoon on a return flight from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Orlando International (MCO).
Winds in Washington were gusting yesterday afternoon from 25 mph to 60 mph due to an approaching cold front. However flights in general were departing on time. I was a little apprehensive considering this, and I had checked the turbulence forecast and pilot reports on this website prior to leaving our friends house and they weren't looking good :(
Before pushing back from the gate the pilot did address us over the PA system and said "folks you may have noticed the windy conditions when you came to the airport today. As a result of those winds, we will be experiencing a bumpy climb at the lower elevations. The good news is that we should get above it soon and the rest of the ride should be nice. Thanks for your patience. In the meantime I've requested the flight attendants remain buckled up during climb."
Well, as nervous as that announcement made alot of people, it also acted as a consolation to me that the pilot knew what he was up against and knew that we'd be apprehensive. True to his word the first 6 minutes of the flight were some of the roughest/wildest bumps and rolls I have ever experienced. But he continued to push the aircraft up and out of the wild weather and within a few more minutes we smoothed right out. The rest of the flight was wonderful and I celebrated with a bloody mary!
If I were to take something away from yesterdays experience it was that if the aircraft handled those severe bumps and bangs without issue, it can surely handle the smaller bumps and rolls i usually experience during flight. I also appreciate the pilot taking a few moments to acknowledge the situation and think of our (my) feelings.
Hope your next flight is a smooth one....me.
I just wanted to relate my experience with severe turbulence yesterday afternoon on a return flight from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Orlando International (MCO).
Winds in Washington were gusting yesterday afternoon from 25 mph to 60 mph due to an approaching cold front. However flights in general were departing on time. I was a little apprehensive considering this, and I had checked the turbulence forecast and pilot reports on this website prior to leaving our friends house and they weren't looking good :(
Before pushing back from the gate the pilot did address us over the PA system and said "folks you may have noticed the windy conditions when you came to the airport today. As a result of those winds, we will be experiencing a bumpy climb at the lower elevations. The good news is that we should get above it soon and the rest of the ride should be nice. Thanks for your patience. In the meantime I've requested the flight attendants remain buckled up during climb."
Well, as nervous as that announcement made alot of people, it also acted as a consolation to me that the pilot knew what he was up against and knew that we'd be apprehensive. True to his word the first 6 minutes of the flight were some of the roughest/wildest bumps and rolls I have ever experienced. But he continued to push the aircraft up and out of the wild weather and within a few more minutes we smoothed right out. The rest of the flight was wonderful and I celebrated with a bloody mary!
If I were to take something away from yesterdays experience it was that if the aircraft handled those severe bumps and bangs without issue, it can surely handle the smaller bumps and rolls i usually experience during flight. I also appreciate the pilot taking a few moments to acknowledge the situation and think of our (my) feelings.
Hope your next flight is a smooth one....me.