R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
:
12
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
A roll cloud ahead of a squall line or thunderstorm is visible evidence of
violent turbulence; the absence of a roll cloud, however, should not be
interpreted as a sign that severe turbulence is not present.
Even though flight in severe turbulence must be avoided, flight in
turbulent air may be encountered unexpectedly under certain
conditions.
Observe the following recommendations for airplane operation in
turbulent air:
1. Flying through turbulent air presents two basic problems, the
solution to both of which is proper airspeed. On one hand, if you
maintain an excessive airspeed, you run the risk of structural
damage or failure; on the other hand, if your airspeed is too low,
you may stall.
2. If moderate to severe turbulence is encountered, reduce speed to
the maneuvering speed (98 kts./113 m.p.h.). This speed gives the
best assurance of avoiding excessive structural loads and provides
the proper margin against inadvertent stalls due to gusts.
3. Beware of over-controlling in attempting to correct for changes in
attitude; applying control pressure abruptly will build up G-forces
rapidly and could cause structural damage or even failure. You
should particularly watch your angle of bank, making turns as wide
and shallow as possible. Be equally cautious in applying forward or
back pressure to keep the nose level. Maintain straight and level
attitude in either up or down drafts. Use trim sparingly to avoid
being grossly out of trim as the vertical air columns change velocity
and direction.