Turbulence frightens passengers more than anything else in flight, yet it is what pilots worry about least. Understanding what happens in the cockpit closes that gap.

Turbulence is uneven air: rising currents, wind shear, and wake from terrain or other aircraft. The plane is not falling; it is moving through air that is itself moving.

Pilots slow to a turbulence penetration speed, change altitude or route when possible, and keep the cabin secure. Pilot reports from aircraft ahead give advance warning of rough patches.

Modern airliners are certified to withstand far stronger turbulence than routine flights encounter. The real risk is to unsecured people and objects, which is why seatbelts matter.