Summary: | Aviation turbulence is a major concern for flight safety. Detecting and nowcasting upper-level turbulence is usually associated with known sources of turbulence, such as convective clouds and transverse cirrus bands. However, in extended clear-air conditions where no optical indicators are present, this can be challenging for both aviation forecasters and pilots. This study aims to evaluate heavy–severe aviation scale turbulence events over 20.000 ft, by utilizing satellite data from MSG SEVIRI radiometer and in situ turbulence reports from en-route aircraft flights over Europe. We analyze 92 heavy–severe turbulence events during November 2009. The results could give an estimate of possible turbulence detection to pilots and aviation forecasters to identify and avoid upper-level turbulence, increasing flight safety.
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