FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)WeatherHard
A pilot receives a PIREP stating that turbulence caused an aircraft to experience large, abrupt changes in altitude and attitude, with occupants momentarily forced violently against their seat belts, and the aircraft was momentarily out of control. This PIREP should be classified as reporting
- AModerate turbulence
- BExtreme turbulence
- CLight turbulence
- DSevere turbulence
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Severe turbulence
Severe turbulence is characterized by large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude, momentary loss of control, and occupants being forced violently against their restraints. Extreme turbulence is even more violent, making the aircraft practically impossible to control and potentially causing structural damage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Moderate turbulence is more intense than light but does not cause loss of aircraft control.
- B. Extreme turbulence involves structural damage risk and the aircraft becoming practically uncontrollable, beyond what was described.
- C. Light turbulence causes only slight, erratic changes and momentary variations in altitude/attitude.
Turbulence Intensity Reporting Scale
A standardized scale (light, moderate, severe, extreme) used in PIREPs to describe the intensity of turbulence based on aircraft response and occupant effects.
- Light: slight, erratic changes in altitude/attitude
- Moderate: definite bumps, changes in altitude/attitude, occupants feel strain against seatbelts
- Severe: large abrupt changes, momentary loss of control, occupants forced violently against restraints
- Extreme: aircraft practically impossible to control, may cause structural damage
Memory trick: 'Light bumps, Moderate jolts, Severe throws you, Extreme breaks control'