AIR TURBULENCE

BY SHARMIN NAZ
2 N D YEAR MBA
 TURBULENCE
Turbulence is one of the most unpredictable of all the
weather phenomena that are of significance to pilots.
Turbulence is an irregular motion of the air resulting from
eddies and vertical currents. It may be as significant as a few
annoying bumps or severe enough to momentarily throw an
airplane out of control or to cause structural damage.
 INTENSITY OF TURBULENCE
The intensity of turbulence is categorized by the ICAO as follows:
 Light : Effects are less than those of moderate intensity.
Moderate : There may be moderate changes in aircraft altitude and/or
height but the aircraft remains in control at all times. There is
difficulty in walking. Loose objects move about.
Severe: Abrupt changes in aircraft altitude and/or height. The aircraft
may be out of control for short periods. Loose objects are tossed
about.
Extreme: Effects are more pronounced than for severe intensity.
 TYPES OF TURBULENCE
There are 7 types of turbulence:
 Clear Air Turbulence: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines clear air
turbulence (CAT) as “sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that
causes violent buffeting of aircraft.”
 Thermal Turbulence: Thermal turbulence is caused by solar heating of the surface,
which in turn heats the lower atmosphere resulting in uneven convective currents, which
lead to turbulence.
 Wake Turbulence: this turbulence is caused by the plane themselves making a “hole”
through the air and disrupting it.
 Mountain Wave Turbulence: mountain waves are turbulent eddies that are found
downwind from mountain ridges. These produce some of the most severe turbulence.
 Mechanical Turbulence: when the air near the surface of the Earth flows
over obstructions, such as bluffs, hills, mountains or buildings, the normal
horizontal wind flow is disturbed and transformed into a complicated
pattern of eddies and other irregular air movements.
 Frontal Turbulence: frontal turbulence is caused by lifting of warm air, a
frontal surface leading to instability or abrupt wind shift between the warm
and cold masses. This is common when severe weather and thunderstorms
develop.
 Wind Shear: wind shear is the change in wind direction and/or speed
over a specific horizontal or vertical distance. This could happen near areas
where the temperature rises with altitude, near storm systems and around
jet streams.
 How can pilots spot turbulence?
1. Measuring Conditions Before Takeoff: Before take off, pilots carefully monitor
weather conditions. They work carefully with meteorologists to chart the best course
to avoid the worst of the bumps.
2. Radio Communication
3. Weather Radar Display: while in the air, pilots rely upon weather radar display to
indicate upcoming turbulence and alert passengers to return to their seats for safety
reasons. These use a color-coded system.
RED- Heavy Rain –Avoid
YELLOW- Moderate Rain- Rough Turbulence
GREEN- Light Rain- Mild Turbulence
4. Studying Cloud Formations:
 Lenticular Clouds: lenticular clouds at the same altitude as the plane signify
coming turbulence.
 Rotor Clouds: this often signal the most intense turbulence.
 Cumulus-Type Clouds: this are typically avoided by pilots, especially with
vertical development which could lead to a thunderstorm.
 Thunderstorm Clouds: top out at 60,000 feet compared to cruising altitude of
33,000 to 42,000 ft.
THANK YOU