Definition
An automated forecasting product that displays predicted turbulence intensity on a map, covering the contiguous United States from the surface up to flight level 450. It produces forecasts at multiple altitudes and time intervals, allowing pilots and dispatchers to see where light, moderate, severe, or extreme turbulence is expected.
Plain English
A computer-generated map that shows where bumpy air is expected, at different altitudes and times, so pilots can plan around it.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see Graphical Turbulence Guidance during a preflight weather briefing, especially when planning altitude, route, or passenger comfort.
Derivation
Graphical means presented as a picture or map rather than text. Turbulence comes from the Latin turbulentus, meaning disturbed or agitated. Together the name simply describes what the product is: a map-based guide to disturbed air.
Why Pilots Care
Helps pilots choose altitudes and routes that reduce encounters with turbulence, improving safety and comfort.
Analogy
It is like a road map that marks rough pavement ahead, except it shows rough air at different heights instead of rough road on the ground.
Grounding Statement
If a planned altitude shows a large area of stronger turbulence along the route, the pilot may plan a different altitude or route before takeoff.
Intuition Check
Graphical Turbulence Guidance is not a command to fly a certain route or altitude. It is forecast information to help the pilot make a better plan.
Example Sentence 1
Before the cross-country flight, the pilot checked the Graphical Turbulence Guidance and saw moderate turbulence forecast at 30,000 feet over the Rockies.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure, the crew checked the Graphical Turbulence Guidance and adjusted their route to avoid areas of moderate turbulence.