Finding a smooth ride/ turbulence reporting
 

As Wi-Fi use expands and some limited cockpit use is authorized, what do you think of this app?

Turbulate for iPad on the iTunes App Store

Not certified for aviation. Not accurate because a passenger's definition of turbulence is different than the FAA's or ICAO's. We already have an extensive authorized system to report official aviation weather and PIREPs (in other words, not needed).

Are the reports generated from ATC. I like the Idea as long as it is from official channels.

I wish they'd update the levels of turbulence. Light chop is pretty useless as the intensity varies widely.

A 1-10 scale would reflect the amount of turbulence better.

Here's a useful guide:

ATC: "Callsign XYZ, say ride conditions."

Delta reports: Light chop......really is........smooth
Continuous light....really is.....mostly smooth
Moderate.....really is.....light chop
Severe......really is.....continuous light

FedEx reports: anything at all.....don't be there.

Priceless!

it depends on the plane, moderate chop in my barbie jet, is a slight wisp of a possible flight attendant fart in a 757.

Turbulence is no laughing matter.

http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/a.../temp10-12.png

I guess it is. :D

It's a part of indoc. Some come in as seasoned military pilots just glad to be alive. Others as regional pilots who didn't know we were allowed to 'cheat' or ask for vectors, with short wings that don't flex, and our flight attendants tried never to get up anyways. Giving a ride report was admitting fear.

By the time we get out the school house (as the flyers call it) smiles at the thought that light chop elicits this type of new hire reaction:

http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/temp4-77.png

Haha ... funny. :rolleyes:

Reference Appendix 1 Paragraph 2 ...

http://rgl.faa.gov/REGULATORY_AND_GUIDANCE_LIBRARY/RGADVISORYCIRCULAR.NSF/0/ec449bf3dcc392a2862573fa0051dcae/$FILE/AC%20120-88%20CHG%201.pdf

With respect to the OP's question, I'd rather hear what the airplane 50 NM in front of me is experiencing, or what ATC or official weather service has to say, rather than what some unofficial app has to say. Would you bet your life on that app?