PHAK · Chapter 12: Weather Theory
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesWEATHER & ATMOSPHERE
Clear-air turbulence
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
Turbulent air outside visible convective cloud, often near strong upper-level shear.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
Editorial section coverage describes the article structure, not scientific validation or completeness.
View missing fields and source dates
Source editions
Retrieval dates record when Owl obtained the data; they are not publication dates or proof that a specification is current. Where the edition contains only a snapshot date, the original publication date is not recorded.
01
Mechanism
Velocity gradients near jet streams and atmospheric waves can become unstable and break into smaller eddies.
02
Aircraft response
An encounter may produce abrupt vertical accelerations without visible cloud cues. The same atmosphere can affect aircraft differently because of speed, size and response.
03
Context & interpretation
Conventional precipitation radar does not directly reveal dry turbulent air. Forecasts and aircraft reports describe likelihood and encountered conditions.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.