Definition
In aviation reporting, a standardized intensity descriptor used to indicate the middle level of severity for phenomena such as turbulence, icing, precipitation, or other weather conditions. It sits between 'light' and 'severe' on the intensity scale and carries specific operational meaning depending on the phenomenon being reported.
Plain English
A middle level of intensity. Not mild, not extreme — somewhere in between, but the exact meaning depends on what is being described (turbulence, icing, rain, etc.).
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation weather reports, forecasts, pilot reports, and discussions of turbulence, icing, and precipitation intensity.
Derivation
From Latin 'moderatus,' meaning 'kept within measure' or 'restrained.' In aviation, it keeps that sense of being measured — neither at the low end nor the high end of a scale.
Why Pilots Care
It signals conditions that can increase workload, affect passenger comfort, and require active decisions about route, altitude, or equipment use before the situation worsens.
Intuition Check
Do not read moderate as “fine” or “not important.” In aviation, moderate is a specific middle intensity level: stronger than light, but not severe or extreme.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot reported moderate turbulence at 8,000 feet, which prompted the controller to relay the PIREP to other aircraft in the area.
Example Sentence 2
Moderate icing was forecast for the climb, so the crew activated the boots and monitored accumulation closely.