FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Weather and Weather ServicesEasy
A pilot files a PIREP describing turbulence that causes occupants to be forced violently against their seatbelts, unsecured objects to be tossed about the cabin, and large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude, with the aircraft momentarily out of control. Which turbulence intensity should be reported?
- AExtreme
- BModerate
- CLight
- DSevere
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Severe
Severe turbulence causes large, abrupt changes in altitude/attitude, momentary loss of control, and occupants forced violently against restraints with loose objects tossed about. Extreme turbulence is even more violent, structurally damaging the aircraft, while moderate turbulence causes only definite strain against seatbelts without loss of control.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Extreme turbulence involves violent tossing that can cause structural damage, exceeding this description.
- B. Moderate turbulence causes definite strain against seatbelts but the aircraft remains in positive control.
- C. Light turbulence causes only slight, rapid, rhythmic bumpiness with no significant altitude or attitude change.
Turbulence Intensity Reporting
PIREPs classify turbulence as light, moderate, severe, or extreme based on aircraft response and occupant effects.
- Moderate: definite strain against seatbelts, loose objects dislodged
- Severe: aircraft may be momentarily out of control
- Extreme: structural damage possible
Memory trick: Light bumps, Moderate strain, Severe out-of-control, Extreme damage