IR.I.B.K3gFAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023Knowledge
g. Turbulence
Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination for flights conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) to include expected climate and hazardous conditions such as: g. Turbulence
Bottom line
Turbulence is irregular aircraft motion caused by convective currents, obstructions in the wind flow, and wind shear. Turbulence ranges from annoying bumpiness to severe jolts that can damage the aircraft or injure passengers. Turbulence avoidance begins with a thorough preflight weather briefing.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| normally above 15,000 ft | CAT altitude |
| at least 20 miles | Storm circumnavigation |
| 1,000 ft per 10 knots | Above storm tops |
| 600 miles or more downwind | Mountain wave reach |
| approximately 200 feet deviation | RVSM unable call |
FAA references
- AWH ch. 19 (pp. 19-1–19-3) — FAA-H-8083-28A
- IFH ch. 10 (pp. 10-22–10-23) — FAA-H-8083-15B
- AWH ch. 19 (pp. 19-4–19-6) — FAA-H-8083-28A
- AC 00-6, para. 17.2.2.1 — AC No: 00-6B
- AIM 4-6-6 (Guidance on Severe Turbulence and Mountain Wave Activity (MWA)) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
- IFH ch. 2 (p. 2-11) — FAA-H-8083-15B
- AIM 7-1-23 (Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) PIREPs) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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