What is moderate turbulence?

What is moderate turbulence?

• A. Rise or drop between 3 and 6 meters, may cause drinks to spill and requires caution when moving around the cabin.
• B. Rise or drop between 10 and 15 meters.
• C. Rise or drop less than 1 meter.
• D. No effect on passengers.

Answer: (A)

Moderate turbulence means the aircraft experiences noticeable vertical motion that is not extreme. In this range the plane typically rises or drops about 3 to 6 meters. That amount of movement is enough to cause drinks to spill and to require cautious movement around the cabin, with passengers and crew advised to keep seat belts fastened and secure loose items. Larger vertical shifts, like 10 to 15 meters, would be more intense, while movements under 1 meter are mild, and no movement implies calm air. So the description of a 3 to 6 meter rise or drop best matches moderate turbulence.

Moderate turbulence means the aircraft experiences noticeable vertical motion that is not extreme. In this range the plane typically rises or drops about 3 to 6 meters. That amount of movement is enough to cause drinks to spill and to require cautious movement around the cabin, with passengers and crew advised to keep seat belts fastened and secure loose items. Larger vertical shifts, like 10 to 15 meters, would be more intense, while movements under 1 meter are mild, and no movement implies calm air. So the description of a 3 to 6 meter rise or drop best matches moderate turbulence.