What does CAT stand for in aviation weather?

What does CAT stand for in aviation weather?

• A. Continental Air Temperature
• B. Cloudy Air Turbulence
• C. Clear Air Turbulence
• D. Cyclone Activity Turbulence

Answer: (C)

Turbulence in clear skies is what this is about. Clear Air Turbulence occurs when the air is rough even though there are no clouds or visible weather features to indicate it. This type of turbulence is common at high cruising altitudes near jet streams, where wind speeds and directions change rapidly and create shear. Because there are no clouds, radar can’t reliably detect it, so pilots rely on pilot reports and forecast models to anticipate it. The other phrases aren’t standard aviation weather terms. Continental Air Temperature isn’t used in this context, Cloudy Air Turbulence isn’t an official designation, and Cyclone Activity Turbulence isn’t the term used for this phenomenon. So the correct meaning is Clear Air Turbulence.

Turbulence in clear skies is what this is about. Clear Air Turbulence occurs when the air is rough even though there are no clouds or visible weather features to indicate it. This type of turbulence is common at high cruising altitudes near jet streams, where wind speeds and directions change rapidly and create shear. Because there are no clouds, radar can’t reliably detect it, so pilots rely on pilot reports and forecast models to anticipate it.

The other phrases aren’t standard aviation weather terms. Continental Air Temperature isn’t used in this context, Cloudy Air Turbulence isn’t an official designation, and Cyclone Activity Turbulence isn’t the term used for this phenomenon. So the correct meaning is Clear Air Turbulence.