Why Do Planes Shake When Landing?

Have you ever experienced your plane shaking during landing? Maybe you wondered if it's safe, or perhaps you simply found it to be a noticeable and sometimes disconcerting experience. This article aims to explain the reasons behind the shaking during a plane's landing, ensuring a more informed and less anxious flying experience.

Understanding the Mechanics of Landing Vibration

Before touching the ground, the wings of the plane increase in Angle of Attack. This adjustment contributes to increased noise due to turbulent airflow. Once the plane makes contact with the runway, the wings and the landing gear begin to vibrate, leading to the shaking sensation you feel in the cabin.

The Role of Cloudy Skies and Moisture Removal

Some believe that the shaking is due to the plane trying to remove water from the clouds it just passed through to avoid getting wet upon exiting the aircraft. However, this is a popular misconception. The primary reason for shaking is the plane's physical characteristics and the harsh conditions it encounters upon landing.

Explanation of Factors Leading to Shaking

Heavy Weight and Complex Structure

Airplanes are massive, heavy, and wide. Any minor bump on the runway is amplified throughout the wings and the plane's structure. This means that even small imperfections in the runway can lead to noticeable vibrations in the cabin.

Deployed Spoilers and Reverse Thrust

The deployment of spoilers on the wings serves to increase drag and create additional turbulence and vibration during landing. Additionally, the use of reverse thrust from the engines can further contribute to the shaking. Reverse thrust pushes air backward, which can create more turbulence and vibrations in the plane.

Wind Conditions and Cross-Wind Gusts

Wind gusts, especially cross-wind gusts, can lift one wing more than the other, causing the plane to rock back and forth. In windy conditions, pilots may opt to land at higher speeds to maintain control. This higher speed can exacerbate vibrations and shaking.

Noise and Vibration in Calm Conditions

On a still day with a long runway and no reverse thrust, a plane can land with very little noise and shaking. Since these conditions are seldom found in modern, busy airports, the landing process often involves more noise and shaking due to the need to conduct quick landings and taxiing off the active runway as soon as possible.

Atmospheric Conditions and Cabin Pressurization

As you descend, the atmosphere becomes rougher. This is one of the reasons that airplanes fly at high altitudes, where the air is thinner and smoother. In the early days of aviation, before the advent of pressurized cabins, people often experienced airsickness due to the turbulent conditions at lower altitudes.

Understanding the mechanics of why planes shake during landing can help you feel more confident and comfortable during your flights. Knowing that the shaking is a normal part of the landing process, and not a cause for alarm, can make your travel experience much more relaxing and enjoyable.