air pocket

noun

(not in technical use) a nearly vertical air current that can cause an aircraft to experience a sudden change in altitude, usually a decrease.

air pocket

a localized region of low air density or a descending air current, causing an aircraft to suffer an abrupt decrease in height
any pocket of air that prevents the flow of a liquid or gas, as in a pipe

First recorded in 1910–15

Air Pocket—A local movement or condition of the air causing an aeroplane to drop or lose its correct attitude.

No; if it had been compressible you would not have had that exhibition at the air pocket.

John was good enough to consider my wretched air-pocket nerves rather than his petrol.

True enough; it was an air pocket which extended in about fifty feet, and had no passageway beyond.

For perhaps ten seconds he hung thus, till the monoplane, rocking through an air-pocket, tilted violently.

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