Meteorology

severe turbulence

Turbulence that causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts.

Quick answer: Turbulence that causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts.

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Languages

Quick answer

Turbulence that causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts.

Why it matters

severe turbulence matters because it supports clear communication in Meteorology contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Editorial context

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Questions and answers

Questions and answers

What is severe turbulence?

In this glossary, severe turbulence refers to: Turbulence that causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts.

How is severe turbulence used in aviation?

In aviation communication, this term appears in contexts such as: "We are experiencing severe turbulence, requesting immediate descent to avoid."

Why does severe turbulence matter in aviation?

severe turbulence matters because it supports clear communication in Meteorology contexts for Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew. It also connects to aviation training and exam language such as ICAO Level 4, ICAO Level 5, ICAO Level 6, and EASA FCL.055.

Who uses severe turbulence?

severe turbulence is mainly used by Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Cabin Crew.

What category does severe turbulence belong to?

In this glossary, severe turbulence is grouped under Meteorology. Related pages in this category explain adjacent procedures, commands and operational concepts.

Where does this definition come from?

This definition is sourced from ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG and published by Protermify Aviation as a static aviation reference page.

Definition

Turbulence that causes large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude. Aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Occupants are forced violently against seat belts.

Operational example

Pilot: We are experiencing severe turbulence, requesting immediate descent to avoid.

Definition language

English reference definition

Source

ICAO Doc 9432, FAA PCG

Category

Meteorology

Exam relevance

  • ICAO Level 4
  • ICAO Level 5
  • ICAO Level 6
  • EASA FCL.055

Target audience

  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Cabin Crew

Related terms

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