Plain English Meaning
Bumps and jolts felt while flying because the air the aircraft is moving through is not smooth.
Full Definition
Irregular motion of an aircraft caused by disturbances in the surrounding air, ranging from light bumps to violent jolts capable of momentarily disrupting control. It is produced by atmospheric conditions such as convective currents, wind shear, mountain waves, frontal activity, jet streams, and wake from other aircraft.
Context Anchor
Used in instrument weather flying, weather briefings, pilot weather reports, and air traffic control reports when pilots are planning for or flying near clouds, , mountains, , or .