Storms

[FranC]

Itīs probably a silly question, but I am not aware of how tricky the weather can get at Singapore. I am packing for my holidays. So this time it will Singapore, and have chosen the very best which is a SQ flight. I will be on the SQ321 from London on friday. It will be the first time on the A380 and I was looking forward to it. I had been able to get something at upper deck since itīs supposed to be a little bit more confortable on a two rows seat. I am travelling alone since my friends are flying Emirates on the same day.

I do not like flying at all, I have checked that the weather forecast for saturday itīs STORMS.....uhhhh, Could anyone explain me how well can the A380 cope with storms on landing?. I fully trust SQ pilot trainning, since they operate there everyday, and know the airport as their own place. I have always wondered storms were not a matter of concern, but after AF447, I have to admit I am scared to death.

What are the normal procedures for landing in storms?. Divert, continue, wait?. How risky is it?. Sorry I am not a pilot. Is it too turbulent?. Thanks in advance.

[jhm]

FranC, first, welcome to SQTalk!

It depends on what the weather is like at your destination. The plane will always have sufficient fuel onboard to divert to another airport if necessary. For example, Kuala Lumpur international airport is only about 45 minutes away. In any event, I've never heard of a storm at Singapore Changi airport which means that planes have to divert - you may have to circle in the air for a while (like planes frequently do at Heathrow due to congestion). Your flight's cockpit crew - who are all very well trained professionals - will make the call.

AF447 was very unfortunate but you have to view it as one of those one in a million possibilities (given the huge number of planes which fly every day without any incident), e.g. the chances of being run over by a car when crossing the road are probably higher than being involved in something like that.

I would try to push thoughts about storms etc out of your mind and just look forward to your holiday!

[FranC]

Thanks Jhm for the replay.

[Kiwi]

Welcome to SQT FranC

Bear in mind also a forecast of storms doesn't mean it will be stormy at all times and all places. Chances are there will not be storms at or near the airport at the exact time you arrive.

[wsssaero]

The weather here in Singapore can change from sunny to stormy to sunny again all within an hour, and can vary widely from weather forecasts on that day itself. Don't be too worried, storms aren't serious here. In the worst case you just have a go-around.

[FranC]

Good comments indeed.

I wonīt watch the weather. I will let the crew, who know more than me about it, to check it for me.

So, sit back and relax (or I will try).

[boing]

As the others have rightly said, have no worries about the storms. The pilots are professionally trained and will not land if it's not safe to do so. And in SIN, the storms no matter how heavy they are, very rarely come with strong winds which is the main sticking point for the tech crew.

There were 2 instances in the past 3 years where the storms were so bad that planes decided to divert to the nearby KLIA and the Batam airport.

So, just sit back and relax.

[FranC]

Thanks

[Jamiegutz]

Hi,

I have to admit that since the AF crash i have been alot more aware of turbulence and have allways been a little tense during - before i actualy found mild turbulence quite soothing.

I have several friends and collegues who are, not scared, but anxious about flying and they deal with it in two ways (but NOT together):

1. Drink loads of booze on the plane - Not recommended as the after effects of alcohol can worsen anxiety significantly. Not to mention the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Or

2. Medicate - seriously .... there is no shame in going to the docs and explaining your situation and ask for something to take the edge off. But make sure you go to a doctor - dont go taking your brothers, friends, aunts uncles witch doctors home remedy.

I am not a doctor, but have had anxiety issues in the past (related to flying) and have found that something to take the edge off really makes a difference. The fact that you are concerned about this five days before your flight could suggest that it will worsen throughout the week and you may not enjoy your flight at all.

ON the LHR -SIN flight turbulence is not that bad and aircraft are built to withstand alot of it. So if you can keep your mind occupied with something else in the meantime, get to the airport (not too early as that make the build up worse) take a look around the shops, get on board, watch a movie and chill out for 12 hours. The time will fly by (excuse the pun)!

Good luck

J

[sudsoz]

Flying in Asia one often confronts large thunderstorms in a particular locale with a great deal of turbulence associated with the storm system.

My experience is that the SQ pilots tend to work their way around these thunderstorm peaks very carefully giving a much smoother ride that some other airlines whose pilots are not so careful.

Don't get me started on the others!

[FranC]

Well, I am not really found of flying and such a long flight makes me uneasy.

I have some strategies.........Never look at the watch. I try to read, and read, and eat the meal. Then and I suppose the entretainment system on board SQ must state-of-the-art, will make me spend a couple of hours watching any film. Then a Trankimazin 1, which is pretty effective before having a long walk along the cabin, going to the toilet, taking some pictures.

Then try to sleep, and with the pill I normally do it. After I wake up, I look up the watch and normally I am getting closer. So have breakfast, and getting ready for the landing. So, in case of cumulus nimbus......try not to look out of the window, in case thereīs lightning, or the wings shake too much.

After a lightning strike on my plane wing, trying to land in Venice, makes me hate when plane crosses the clouds. I donīt know what I will be finding into them. After I see the ground, and thereīs not wind, I am pretty safe and confident.

[s7r0ng3r]

Hey FranC, if you wanna minimize the effect of turbulence, I'd recommend you sit around the wing area. Works for me!

[Jamiegutz]

Well, I am not really found of flying and such a long flight makes me uneasy.

I have some strategies.........Never look at the watch. I try to read, and read, and eat the meal. Then and I suppose the entretainment system on board SQ must state-of-the-art, will make me spend a couple of hours watching any film. Then a Trankimazin 1, which is pretty effective before having a long walk along the cabin, going to the toilet, taking some pictures.

Then try to sleep, and with the pill I normally do it. After I wake up, I look up the watch and normally I am getting closer. So have breakfast, and getting ready for the landing. So, in case of cumulus nimbus......try not to look out of the window, in case thereīs lightning, or the wings shake too much.

After a lightning strike on my plane wing, trying to land in Venice, makes me hate when plane crosses the clouds. I donīt know what I will be finding into them. After I see the ground, and thereīs not wind, I am pretty safe and confident.

Sounds like you have a good strategy/plan in place. One more thing i forgot to mention .... one collegue finds music very helpful. Firstly it blocks out the noise of the engine which can make things worse and also if you listen to a 'feel good song' you will get a bit of an endorphin rush which will counter the effects of anxiety. My collegue seems to find the "jackson 5' does this particularly well!

Regarding your lighting strike, as scary at it must have been at the time, the fact that you are still here to tell the tale is a testament to the safety and stability of aircraft in general . You will be fine .... how about writing a trip report for us all here at SQ talk whilst on board to keep your mind occupied before, during and after!

[flyguy]

there have been few bad turbulent take-offs and landings in Changi due to short heavy thunderstorms and thunder clouds around the airfield - as just 6 weeks back, experienced a very turbulent landing onboard an SQ A333 from KUL!

[FranC]

I donīt mind a little turbulence as long as lightning keep away from my aircraft. I suppose the A380 could be a little bit quieter, and could minimize the effect of turbulent landings. Anyway, letīs see what happens.

I am sure it will a fantastic flight.