Which description best defines moderate turbulence?

Which description best defines moderate turbulence?

• A. Light turbulence only
• B. Severe turbulence with loss of control
• C. Moderate turbulence: changes in altitude and attitude occur, aircraft remains in positive control, variations in airspeed
• D. None

Answer: (C)

Moderate turbulence is about noticeable but manageable disturbances in flight. It means the airplane experiences changes in altitude and attitude and you’ll see variations in airspeed, but the aircraft remains under positive pilot control throughout. This describes a level where you can feel the aircraft being jostled more than light turbulence, yet it stays steady in handling and no loss of control occurs. The other options don’t fit: light turbulence would involve only minor, less noticeable movements; severe turbulence involves larger, more dangerous motions and can threaten control; and none isn’t appropriate because there is a description that correctly defines moderate turbulence.

Moderate turbulence is about noticeable but manageable disturbances in flight. It means the airplane experiences changes in altitude and attitude and you’ll see variations in airspeed, but the aircraft remains under positive pilot control throughout. This describes a level where you can feel the aircraft being jostled more than light turbulence, yet it stays steady in handling and no loss of control occurs. The other options don’t fit: light turbulence would involve only minor, less noticeable movements; severe turbulence involves larger, more dangerous motions and can threaten control; and none isn’t appropriate because there is a description that correctly defines moderate turbulence.