Flight NZ90 turbulence 'very unusual' - aviation expert video

Flight NZ90 might have "scared the bejesus" out of passengers, but turbulence is nothing to fear, aviation experts say. The Air New Zealand flight from Tokyo to Auckland encountered unexpected strong turbulence during its dinner service, causing food to be splashed onto the ceiling and leaving passengers screaming and crying. Passengers described how the plane dropped suddenly three times, and jolted violently for about 10 minutes. Flying Without Fear programme director and psychologist Grant Amos said people often dramatise and over-emotionalise turbulence. "Turbulence is not a threat to the aircraft at all. If you happen to be walking to the toilet and you went through that sort of situation, that's dangerous because you can be flung around. But if you're seated and your seatbelt is on, and you listen to instructions… you're not in danger." The fear comes from the unknown, because the average traveller does not understand how a plane works, Amos said.<br/>