Weather Radar Echo Terms - Pamphlet

Turbulence Intensity
Aircraft Reaction to Turbulence
Reaction Inside Aircraft
ATC Weather Radar Echo Terms & Definitions

ATC Weather Radar Terms
LIGHT TURBULENCE
Momentarily causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude (pitch, roll, yaw).
LIGHT CHOP
Slight, rapid and somewhat rhythmic bumpiness, without appreciable changes in altitude or attitude.
Occupants may feel a slight strain against seat belts or shoulder straps. Unsecured objects may be displaced slightly
dBZ Reflectivity
LIGHT
18 29 dBZ
MODERATE (see below) MODERATE TURBULENCE Similar to light turbulence, but of greater intensity. Altitude and/or attitude changes occur, but aircraft remains in positive control at all times. It usually causes variations in indicated airspeed. Similar to light chop but of greater intensity; causes rapid bumps or jolts without appreciable changes in aircraft altitude or attitude. Large, abrupt changes in altitude and/or attitude; large variations in indicated airspeed; aircraft may be momentarily out of control. Aircraft is violently tossed about and is practically impossible to control; may cause structural damage. MODERATE
30 40 dBZ
Occupants feel definite strains against seat belts or shoulder straps. Unsecured objects are dislodged.
HEAVY
>40 50 dBZ
MODERATE CHOP
EXTREME Occupants are forced violently against seat belts or shoulder straps. Unsecured objects are tossed about.
> 50 dBZ
SEVERE
ATC describes; the PIC decides!

It is not ATCs job to keep you out of severe weather. Do you need to deviate from your route? Do you need to deviate from your altitude? Ask for information.never make assumptions. Make sure you understand what services ATC is providing. Pipe up with PIREPSreport your flight conditions to ATC. Thunderstorms always imply severe or greater turbulence.
EXTREME
Thunderstorms imply severe or greater turbulence
Safety Tips for IFR Flight Near Known or Forecast Convective Activity
Flight in IMC Near Known/Forecast Convective Activity:
Tighten seat belts and shoulder harnesses (all occupants). Secure all loose items. Turn up cockpit lighting to fullest intensity. In moderate or greater turbulence, reduce power to establish and maintain VA. Listen up for PIREPs. Ask ATC if they see any areas of moderate or greater precipitation along your route of flight.
Radar Limitations
En Route facilities (centers) cannot display LIGHT precipitation. Some approach control facilities cannot provide precipitation intensities. In these cases, ATC will state: intensity unknown. ATC radar cannot detect clouds. ATC can tell you where some areas of precipitation are, but cannot tell you whether they consist of rain or hail.
Controller Phraseology Examples

Examples:
Avoiding Convective / Thunderstorm Encounters Preflight

Ask what kind of weather system you might encounter. Are conditions ripe for squall lines, area thunderstorms, embedded thunderstorms?
Extreme precipitation between eleven oclock and one oclock, one zero miles, moving east at two zero knots, tops flight level three niner zero. Heavy precipitation between ten oclock and two oclock, one five miles. Precipitation area is two five miles in diameter. Moderate precipitation between ten oclock and two oclock, one five miles. Precipitation area is two five miles in diameter. Light to moderate precipitation between ten oclock and two oclock, one five miles. Precipitation area is two five miles in diameter. Precipitation area between one oclock and three oclock, one five miles, intensity unknown.
Inflight
Seek updates from AFSS Flight Watch. Listen to chatter on the ATC frequency. Are there PIREPs? Requests to deviate or divert? Ask ATC if there are any areas of moderate or greater precipitation along your route of flight. Decide early whether to change course, land early, or fly to an alternate. Dont wait until the last minute!
Suggested Phraseology for Pilots

Examples for requesting weather deviation:
Inadvertent Thunderstorm EncounterWhat to do?

Concentrate on keeping the aircraft in a level attitude. Allow the airspeed to fluctuate. Allow the altitude to fluctuateDO NOT attempt to maintain altitude! If equipped with an autopilot, disengage the altitude hold and constant speed modes. Fly straight aheadavoid turning until you have exited the thunderstorm. Turn on pitot heat, carb heat, and any anti-icing or deicing equipment on board.
Nashville Approach, N123A, request 20 degree deviation right of course.
Detroit Approach, N123A, request left deviation to avoid buildups.
Los Angeles Center, N123A, request approval to deviate around weather for next 10 miles.

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Turbulence Intensity

Aircraft Reaction to Turbulence

Reaction Inside Aircraft

ATC Weather Radar Echo Terms & Definitions

ATC describes; the PIC decides!

Thunderstorms imply severe or greater turbulence

Controller Phraseology Examples

Avoiding Convective / Thunderstorm Encounters Preflight

Suggested Phraseology for Pilots

Inadvertent Thunderstorm EncounterWhat to do?

Nashville Approach, N123A, request 20 degree deviation right of course.

Detroit Approach, N123A, request left deviation to avoid buildups.

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