How are turbulence levels categorized?

Turbulence levels are categorized into four distinct classifications: light, moderate, severe, and extreme. This standardized classification helps pilots and crews communicate the intensity of turbulence accurately and ensure safety during flight operations.

Light turbulence is typically described as slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude of the aircraft. Moderate turbulence is more pronounced with changes that are more consistent but can still be manageable. Severe turbulence involves large, abrupt changes that can make it difficult to control the aircraft, possibly leading to injuries if not properly managed. Extreme turbulence presents a situation that may result in structural damage to the aircraft and poses serious challenges to control.

This categorization is widely recognized in aviation, enabling pilots to make informed decisions regarding flight operations and passenger safety. The other classifications mentioned do not reflect standardized turbulence categories used in aviation, making them less applicable in the context of flight planning and in-flight experience.