MLchartDataset catalogue

Turbulence

Term · Aviation and air traffic control · MLC-T-AVN-001055

An atmospheric phenomenon that causes changes in aircraft altitude, attitude, and or airspeed with aircraft reaction depending on intensity. Pilots report turbulence intensity according to aircraft's reaction as follows:

a. Light - Causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and or attitude (pitch, roll, or yaw).

b. Moderate- Similar to Light but of greater intensity. Changes in altitude and or attitude occur but the aircraft remains in positive control at all times. It usually causes variations in indicated airspeed.

c. Severe- Causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and or attitude. It usually causes large variations in indicated airspeed. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control.

d. Extreme- The aircraft is violently tossed about and is practically impossible to control. It may cause structural damage.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-AVN-001055
FieldAviation and air traffic control
ReferencesAIM; FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary
See alsoChop
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-AVN-001055",
  "term": "Turbulence",
  "field": "Aviation and air traffic control",
  "definition": "An atmospheric phenomenon that causes changes in aircraft altitude, attitude, and or airspeed with aircraft reaction depending on intensity. Pilots report turbulence intensity according to aircraft's reaction as follows:\n\na. Light - Causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and or attitude (pitch, roll, or yaw).\n\nb. Moderate- Similar to Light but of greater intensity. Changes in altitude and or attitude occur but the aircraft remains in positive control at all times. It usually causes variations in indicated airspeed.\n\nc. Severe- Causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and or attitude. It usually causes large variations in indicated airspeed. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control.\n\nd. Extreme- The aircraft is violently tossed about and is practically impossible to control. It may cause structural damage.",
  "see_also": [
    "Chop"
  ],
  "references": [
    "AIM",
    "FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/aviation/turbulence/"
}

Record 1,055 of 1,122 in Aviation and air traffic control terminology (MLC-0104). Request the full dataset.