Tripleseven From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 118 posts, RR: 0 Posted (12 years 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 2430 times:
Everytime I fly into LAS in the summer, whether it's windy or not, the approach is always very turbulent from about 14,000 to 2,000. Of course, the flight level varies. Typically, it begins as you break out of the clouds.
It's always a series of quick violent bumps, and seems to have little to do with the wind, although it is worse when it's windy. The turbulence stops as you level on final approach.
Is this the hot air/cooler air colliding?
I'm going to LAS in a few weeks, and have been meaning to ask this question for some time.
Modesto2 From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 2631 posts, RR: 6 Reply 3, posted (12 years 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 2343 times:
I flew out of LAS a couple years ago and the pilot predicted some choppy air. He referred to them as "thermals." As PhilB said, the turbulence is caused by the hot rising air. Since it rises unevenly, there isn't consistent support for the wings. Thus, turbulence.
Flygga From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (12 years 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 2297 times:
RNO is far worse than LAS. Some of my most turbulent rides have been in and out of RNO. Twice on climbout out of RNO it was rough enough for some of the overhead luggage compartments to start opening.
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