Turbulence Levels

The scale below is the one we use at turbli to classify the different turbulence levels. The scale is based on the Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), the reference unit in aviation to measure turbulence strenght.

The levels in this scale are only here to guide us. For example, turbulence of EDR = 19 classified as Light will not differ much from turbulence at EDR = 21 classified as Moderate.

Extreme

EDR 80-100. Aircraft is practically impossible to control

Severe

EDR 60-80. Violent and sudden changes in altitude

Strong

EDR 40-60. Strong strains against seat belts

Moderate

EDR 20-40. Difficulty in walking and food services

Light

EDR 0-20. Smooth flight conditions

We are aware that the term "Null" turbulence is typically used in aviation as well. However, we decided to omit this term since, strictly speaking, areas with truly zero turbulence (laminar flow) are very rare in the atmosphere. There is almost always some turbulence, even if it's barely noticeable!

The turbulence level of "Strong" is not used officially in aviation. Instead, they use the term Moderate-Severe (MOD-SEV), and we have simply renamed this as "Strong".