Final answer:
Aircraft are advised to slow to maneuvering speed or less in turbulent air to prevent structural damage and ensure safety.
This is due to increased aerodynamic drag and the creation of turbulent wake at higher speeds, which can exceed the structural capacity of the airplane in harsh conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is recommended to slow to maneuvering speed or less in turbulent air conditions for the safety and structural integrity of the aircraft. Aircraft have a specified maneuvering speed (Va) which is the maximum speed at which full, abrupt control movements can be applied without overstressing the airframe.
In turbulent conditions, slowing down to this speed or lower reduces the risk of structural damage caused by sudden and harsh gust loads. Exceeding maneuvering speed in turbulence can lead to excessive stress on the aircraft structure, potentially resulting in a failure.
The concept behind this is similar to adjustments made in fluid dynamics, where, for instance, turbulence in a blood vessel can decrease flow rate and increase blood pressure. Similarly, on a large scale, objects like airplanes experience increased aerodynamic drag and may create a turbulent wake at higher speeds.
An understanding of how viscous drag and turbulent wake can affect objects moving through fluid mediums like air provides insight into why maintaining lower speeds in turbulence is prudent.
By doing so, pilots can prevent the acceleration of the aircraft from reaching a level where the associated increase in drag and wake turbulence overcomes the structural limits of the airplane, ensuring safety for all onboard.