Turbulence Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is turbulence?
The result of friction between opposing air currents
Turbulence can be caused by various factors including convection, mechanical effects, and wind shear.
What causes convective turbulence?
Vertical air currents, both upward and downward, usually associated with summer afternoons
Heated air near the surface rises, leading to bumpy conditions often indicated by fair weather cumulus clouds.
What weather conditions indicate convective turbulence activity?
Fair weather cumulus clouds on sunny afternoons
These clouds signal the presence of rising heated air and potential turbulence.
What is mechanical turbulence?
Friction between air and ground as high winds blow over rough, broken terrain
A layer of Stratocumulus may often be found at the upper level of the mechanical turbulence layer.
What is orographic turbulence?
Friction in air currents in mountainous terrain
Orographic turbulence occurs when winds interact with mountains, creating turbulent air patterns.
What is wind shear?
Sudden change in wind speed or wind direction
Commonly found near thunderstorms and can lead to downbursts known as MICROBURSTS.
What does LLWS stand for?
Low Level Wind Shear
Refers to a forecast of wind shear below 1,500 feet AGL that cannot be seen from the ground.
How can LLWS be confirmed?
In flight or from a Pilot Report
LLWS is not visible from the ground, making in-flight reporting essential.
Where is clear air turbulence typically found?
At high altitudes in areas having jet stream activity
Clear air turbulence can occur unexpectedly and is often difficult to detect.
What are the reporting criteria for turbulence?
LIGHT, MODERATE, SEVERE, EXTREME
Each category describes the intensity and effect of turbulence on aircraft control.
Define LIGHT turbulence.
Slight changes in attitude or altitude, aircraft control can be maintained
This is the least intense category of turbulence.
Define MODERATE turbulence.
Greater intensity than light turbulence, aircraft remains in positive control
Pilots may need to make minor adjustments to maintain control.
Define SEVERE turbulence.
Large, abrupt changes in attitude or altitude, aircraft may be momentarily out of control
This category indicates significant turbulence that can challenge pilot control.
Define EXTREME turbulence.
Aircraft violently tossed about, impossible to control
This is the most serious form of turbulence, posing a significant threat to flight safety.
