Planes primarily detect turbulence using onboard weather radar.
Here's how it works:
- Weather Radar: An onboard weather radar highlights areas with heavy rainfall.
- Raindrop Size: The radar detects the size of raindrops; larger raindrops typically indicate larger clouds.
- Turbulence Correlation: Larger clouds are often associated with greater turbulence.
- Pilot Action: Pilots can then choose to fly through the cloud or, preferably, fly around it to avoid the turbulence.
| Detection Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Weather Radar | Highlights areas of heavy rainfall; larger raindrops often indicate larger, more turbulent clouds. |
In summary, planes use weather radar to detect areas of heavy rainfall, which are indicators of potential turbulence. Pilots then use this information to adjust their flight path.
