PHAK · Chapter 12: Weather Theory
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesWEATHER & ATMOSPHERE
Atmospheric turbulence
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
Irregular airflow with changing velocity and direction across a range of scales.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
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01
Mechanism
Shear, surface friction, convection and terrain can transfer energy into eddies. The aircraft samples those eddies along its flight path.
02
Aircraft response
Rapid changes in angle of attack and airspeed cause fluctuating aerodynamic forces. Aircraft size, mass, speed and control response influence the resulting accelerations.
03
Context & interpretation
Reported intensity describes the aircraft encounter, not a single universal wind speed. Clear skies do not imply smooth air.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.