CAT (Clear Air Turbulence)

CAT (Clear Air Turbulence)

What is CAT (Clear Air Turbulence)?

Navigating Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) in Flight

Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) refers to sudden, unpredictable changes in airflow that can occur in clear skies.

Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is turbulence encountered by aircraft flying through cloudless skies, typically at higher altitudes.

• Causes and Characteristics: CAT is often caused by atmospheric pressure differences, jet streams, or air around mountain ranges. It's challenging to detect because it occurs in clear air without visual indicators.
• Impact on Flight: CAT can cause discomfort for passengers and crew and, in severe cases, lead to injuries or damage to the aircraft.
• Detection and Avoidance: Pilots and air traffic control use weather reports and pilot reports to anticipate and avoid areas known for CAT.

Clear Air Turbulence is a significant flight safety concern, particularly due to its unpredictable nature and the absence of visual cues.