Why does it feel like the plane is stopping?

Why it Feels Like a Plane is Stopping Mid-Flight

When traveling on an airplane, it is not uncommon to experience a momentary sensation of the aircraft coming to a halt. This feeling, while brief and harmless, can be disconcerting for passengers.

The Ursache hinter this strange phenomenon lies in the subtle changes that occur during the transition from climb to cruise flight. As the plane climbs, it gradually gains altitude and increases its vertical speed. Once it reaches its cruising altitude, the pilot levels off the aircraft, reducing the vertical speed and engine power.

This change in vertical motion and engine power tricks the body’s sensory systems. The inner ear, which helps us maintain balance, detects the reduction in vertical speed and interprets it as a decrease in acceleration. This, in turn, creates a sensation of slowing or even stopping.

Additionally, the adjustment in engine power affects the airflow over the wings. As the engines are throttled back, the airflow becomes less turbulent, which can contribute to a smoother and quieter flight. This sudden shift in flight characteristics can further disorient the senses, leading to the perception of the plane slowing down.

It is important to emphasize that this feeling is temporary and does not indicate an actual malfunction or emergency. Once the aircraft stabilizes at its cruising speed and altitude, the sensation of stopping will subside.

Understanding the reason behind this phenomenon can help alleviate any anxiety or discomfort passengers may experience during this brief transitionary phase.