Thank you for your feedback on the matter. I am very interested in knowning mroe about turbulence.

I would like to ask, how often can turbulence be a real danger to the aircraft it self? I have been a frequent flyer and I have witnessed plenty of unexpected and strong shakes while crusing. I live in Europe and most aicraft I get on are CRJ300′s (this one get very affected by turbulence) and Airbus 320/321. Most times I hear the aircraft structure (screws, metals, plastics) when in strong turbulence. How dangerous this can be? I know that aicrafts are tested in extreme conditions, but how do you define these “extreme conditions”?

I do have some kind of fear of flying, but I have no option but to fly to my woman across Europe. However it usually gets very unpleasant during take-offs and crusing (I love landings though, as hard they may be) due to turbulece (sometimes I feel the aircraft will just split apart during strong ones).

Best regards,
From Greece.