What is turbulence?

What is turbulence?

• A. Sudden, violent shift in airflow causing the aircraft to change altitude suddenly.
• B. A gentle breeze experienced on the ground.
• C. A constant lift of the wing due to air pressure.
• D. A malfunction of the aircraft's engines.

Answer: (A)

Turbulence is irregular, unpredictable air movement around the aircraft. As the plane flies through pockets of air moving at different speeds and directions, the forces on the wings change suddenly, which can make the aircraft feel as if it’s jolting or briefly changing altitude. That idea—unexpected shifts in airflow that can push the aircraft up or down—is why the description of a sudden, violent shift in airflow causing the aircraft to change altitude is the best fit. The other statements describe things that aren’t turbulence: a gentle ground breeze isn’t disruptive air movement, lift is a smooth aerodynamic force, and engine malfunction isn’t about airflow turbulence.

Turbulence is irregular, unpredictable air movement around the aircraft. As the plane flies through pockets of air moving at different speeds and directions, the forces on the wings change suddenly, which can make the aircraft feel as if it’s jolting or briefly changing altitude. That idea—unexpected shifts in airflow that can push the aircraft up or down—is why the description of a sudden, violent shift in airflow causing the aircraft to change altitude is the best fit.

The other statements describe things that aren’t turbulence: a gentle ground breeze isn’t disruptive air movement, lift is a smooth aerodynamic force, and engine malfunction isn’t about airflow turbulence.