FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Meteorology and Weather ServicesMedium
A pilot submits a PIREP stating that turbulence caused occupants to be forced violently against their seat belts, unsecured objects were tossed about the cabin, and the aircraft was momentarily out of control. Which turbulence intensity should be reported in the PIREP?
- ALight
- BExtreme
- CSevere
- DModerate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Severe
Per the AIM turbulence reporting criteria, 'severe' turbulence is characterized by large, abrupt changes in altitude/attitude, momentary loss of control, occupants forced violently against belts, and unsecured objects tossed about. Extreme turbulence goes further, making the aircraft practically impossible to control and may cause structural damage.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Light turbulence causes only slight, erratic changes with no loss of control.
- B. Extreme turbulence involves violent tossing and near-total loss of control, more severe than described.
- D. Moderate turbulence causes definite strain but not violent forcing against belts.
Turbulence PIREP Scale
A standardized 4-level scale (Light, Moderate, Severe, Extreme) pilots use in PIREPs to describe turbulence intensity based on aircraft response and occupant effects.
- Severe: momentary loss of control, violent forcing against belts
- Extreme: aircraft practically impossible to control, structural damage possible
- Reports help other pilots and dispatch avoid hazardous areas
Memory trick: Light tickle, Moderate shake, Severe slam, Extreme chaos