FLIGHT OBSERVATIONS OF ATMOSPHERIC TURBULENCE.
Abstract
Recognizing impending flight conditions from the observation of sky conditions and cockpit instruments can assist flight crews in determining the appropriate course of action to insure a safe and comfortable flight. A summary of observations is provided from the analysis of data collected on 963 flights by a research meteorologist riding in the cockpit of airline and military jet aircraft. Flight conditions in clear skies may often be anticipated when related to certain tropopause and jet stream configurations. Three cloud pattern models are described that associate cirrus formed by jet streams with areas of occurrence of significant turbulence. A refinement in the theory that atmospheric temperature changes may indicate clear air turbulence indicates that a rate of temperature change of 1.0C per minute with a total change of 2.0C is the most effective combination for detecting impending significant turbulence. Clear air vortices that form below the base of severe thunderstorms may produce turbulence capable of upsetting multi-engine jet aircraft. The formation of these vortices occurs in the precipitation-free area of the thunderstorm. An airborne portable scintillometer was flight tested to determine the feasibility of detecting clear air turbulence by means of aircraft optical observations. The equipment and observational procedures used in collecting data for analysis are also described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0643554
Entities
People
- Paul W. Kadlec