ATPL Turbulence

Question 1

Define Clear Air turbulence

Answer 1

Referred as dynamic stability which means air thats moving in an unstable manner in different directions or speeds.

Question 2

State the difference between turbulence and up/down drafts

Answer 2

• Turbulence is bumpy conditions due to unstable air
• Up/down draughts are uniform in direction and can be smooth however they can make it almost impossible to control the altitude of the aircraft
• The area between up/down draughts like in a Cb will have turbulence due to horizontal wind-shear