Is there a official classification for turbulence?

Is there a official classification for turbulence? - Crop businessman giving contract to woman to sign

This winter I was on a flight in Europe during a huge winter storm. That's why the pilot announced for the flight that we will have some medium turbulence during the flight. However, it wasn't really shaking more than normal.

On the other hand, on my last flight over the Atlantic the pilot announced only small turbulence, but I'm not sure if I would have remained in my seat without my seatbelt.

Obviously, the forecast could just been wrong, but nevertheless I'm interested if there is any official classification of turbulence. So what is medium turbulence? What is severe turbulence?



Best Answer

In addition to Michael's answer, there is another classification of turbulence:

  • Anticipated turbulence: This is the good type. The captain will know about the turbulence in advance and will try his best to avoid it. In case the turbulence is not avoidable then the captain will notify the cabin crew. The cabin crew will announce that to the passengers and prepare the cabin for the worst. In this kind of turbulence things are always fine because people and the cabin are prepared for the turbulence.. seat belts are buckled up and cabin items are secured. One more thing, this kind of turbulence most likely to be safe because the captain would not risk entering the turbulent area unless the airplane can handle it safely.

  • Unanticipated turbulence: This is the evil type. The forecast and the airplane's radar will show clear weather. The cockpit crew, cabin crew and passengers are not notified in advance and the cabin items are most likely to be loose (carts, trays...etc). This type is really dangerous and most likely to be severe and causes injuries specially to the people who are standing and due to flying unsecured items. That's why in the seat belt off announcement the announcer will say something like (The seat belt sign has been turned off, for your safety keep your belt fastened at all times unless you need to move). So it is highly advised to keep your seat belt fastened at all times unless you are going to toilet or so.




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What are the 4 types of turbulence?

Here's how you can report it to ATC.
  • 1) Light Chop. Light chops is defined as a slight, rapid, and somewhat rhythmic bumpiness. ...
  • 2) Light Turbulence. Light turbulence is a series of momentary, slightly erratic changes in your altitude or attitude. ...
  • 4) Moderate Turbulence. ...
  • 5) Severe Turbulence. ...
  • 6) Extreme Turbulence.


What are the three types of turbulence?

Turbulence is the irregular movement of the air flow that can cause ascending and descending shakes on an aircraft in flight. Turbulence can be classified into three types: mechanical turbulence, turbulence mat and thermal turbulence.

How is clear air turbulence classified?

Definition. Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is defined as sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent buffeting of aircraft. This term is commonly applied to higher altitude turbulence associated with wind shear.

What are seven types of turbulence?

Here are the 7 most common types of turbulence:
  • 1) Clear Air Turbulence. ...
  • 2) Thermal Turbulence. ...
  • 3) Temperature Inversion Turbulence. ...
  • 4) Mechanical Turbulence. ...
  • 5) Frontal Turbulence. ...
  • 6) Mountain Wave Turbulence. ...
  • 7) Thunderstorm Turbulence.




What Is Turbulence? A Pilot Explains How It Happens, Even in Clear Skies | WSJ




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