How Technology Helps Make Turbulence Better
If you are flying in a smaller aircraft, expect to feel the turbulence more than you would in a larger aircraft, due to the weight and size difference. It is similar to taking out a smaller boat and hitting large waves versus a yacht or cruise ship going over those same waves—on a larger boat, you would not feel it as much.
The FAA mandates that all commercial aircraft be built to withstand far more stress than they would ever encounter during rough turbulence. Over the years, aircraft are built to handle extreme turbulence. An aircraft could go through rough turbulence and get damaged on the outside, but the aircraft itself can withstand the intensity.
Before the flight takes off, the pilots are given a PIREP, which is a pilot report. In the report, there are preflight plans, latest reports of turbulence from airborne aircraft, and accurate forecasts with areas of expected turbulence from satellites and meteorology technologies.
Pilots also rely on the LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which is located under the front of the aircraft. The LIDAR is made up of radars and lasers that detect how fast dust particles are moving. The light and radar tells the pilots if there is turbulence as little as 6 miles ahead, which is still enough time for a pilot to prepare.