Severe turbulence could double as engineers study bird-inspired plane designs.

Researchers link rising clear-air turbulence to climate-driven changes in the jet stream, reporting a 41–55% increase in severe events since 1979 in some regions and forecasts that severe episodes could double over North America, the North Pacific and Europe if emissions are not cut; engineers are testing bird-inspired wing features that have shown promise in small-scale trials.

Severe clear-air turbulence is becoming more common and researchers tie the rise to climate-driven changes in the upper atmosphere. A 2019 trans-Pacific flight that hit sudden clear-air turbulence left dozens injured and is one example cited in current reporting. Scientists say warming at flight altitude is altering the jet stream and increasing wind shear where jets typically fly. Engineers and biologists are exploring whether wing features inspired by birds could improve aircraft stability in unexpected turbulence. Key facts: - In July 2019 an Air Canada flight experienced a sudden clear-air turbulence event that passengers reported left 37 people injured and one passenger later reported to have broken his neck in six places, according to the article. - Clear-air turbulence is invisible to onboard equipment and can occur in otherwise clear skies, which makes it difficult for pilots to avoid. - Paul Williams of the University of Reading reported a 55% rise in severe clear-air turbulence over the North Atlantic and a 41% rise over North America compared with 1979. - The article reports that, without emissions reductions, severe clear-air turbulence is projected to double over North America, the North Pacific and Europe. - Aimy Wissa at Princeton published 2024 research that tested small plastic flaps simulating bird "covert" feathers on a remote-control plane; those flaps reduced the likelihood of a stall and aided control during stall in tests, but the concept is not yet ready for full-size aircraft. Summary: Rising clear-air turbulence is presented as an increasing operational and safety challenge tied to changing temperature patterns and stronger wind shear in the jet stream. Forecasting has improved over recent decades but, according to the reporting, turbulence growth is outpacing prediction ability. Engineers are investigating bird-inspired wing features as one area of possible design response. Undetermined at this time.