Why does the plane feel like it's dropping?

Why Does the Plane Feel Like It’s Dropping?

Have you ever been on a plane and suddenly felt like you were plummeting towards the ground? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience this unsettling sensation, which is often caused by the aircraft encountering air pockets or atmospheric shifts.

Air Pockets

Air pockets are areas of low air pressure that can cause an aircraft to suddenly lose altitude. When a plane flies into an air pocket, the pressure outside the aircraft suddenly decreases, which causes the aircraft to rise. However, the aircraft then quickly falls back down as it enters the area of higher pressure on the other side of the air pocket. This sudden change in altitude can create the illusion of a drop.

Atmospheric Shifts

Atmospheric shifts are changes in the density of the air. When an aircraft flies into an area of less dense air, it will rise. Conversely, when it flies into an area of more dense air, it will fall. These changes in air density can be caused by a number of factors, including changes in temperature, altitude, and wind speed.

Passenger Perception

These fluctuations in altitude are often imperceptible to the pilot, but they can be very unsettling for passengers. This is because the human body is not well-equipped to sense changes in acceleration. When an aircraft suddenly loses altitude, the body interprets this as a drop. This can trigger a number of physical and emotional reactions, including:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Anxiety
• Panic

Conclusion

While the sensation of a plane dropping can be unsettling, it is important to remember that it is usually caused by harmless atmospheric conditions. If you experience this sensation, try to relax and focus on your breathing. The feeling will usually pass quickly.