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Old 01-05-2016 | 05:12 PM
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Default A320 Turbulence Penetration Speed?

Recently rode shotgun on an A320 with a crew (read: captain whose FO didn't question him) that seemed to think accelerating through building cumulonimbus clouds and the accompanying moderate turbulence was a good idea. I witnessed upwards of 300 knots being set and the standard hold speed was apparently 270 knots (who knew?). As I wasn't exactly in a position to criticize (being a freeloader and all), I kept my mouth shut and quietly pondered existence and my place in it.

So, question is: What's the recommended turbulence penetration speed for the A320 (and all its family members, if it's different)?
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Old 01-05-2016 | 05:28 PM
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250knots below FL 200, from FL 200-310 275 knots, and above FL310 Mach .76.
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Old 01-05-2016 | 07:15 PM
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Default A320 Turbulence Penetration Speed?

Sounds like a scene out of the movie Flight...max power to get through that hole
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Old 01-06-2016 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Fast90
250knots below FL 200, from FL 200-310 275 knots, and above FL310 Mach .76.

Gracias! Seems like we might've been a tad fast then.
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Old 01-06-2016 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Fast90
250knots below FL 200, from FL 200-310 275 knots, and above FL310 Mach .76.
According to my QRH and OM those are the speeds for severe turbulence. None are even published for light-moderate. I often see guys slow down with the onset of the slightest bumps, not gonna hurt anything but not really necessary IMO.
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Old 01-06-2016 | 05:55 PM
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Turb penetration speeds are for moderate or greater.
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Old 01-06-2016 | 06:38 PM
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Just to clarify, is this "mainline moderate" or moderate.
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Old 01-06-2016 | 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp
Turb penetration speeds are for moderate or greater.
Maybe at DAL
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Old 01-06-2016 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by hemaybedid
Just to clarify, is this "mainline moderate" or moderate.
My hardened turboprop brain can withstand a good deal of turbulence before it becomes uncomfortable, and this moderate turbulence was making me uncomfortable. I wouldn't be here questioning it otherwise
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Old 01-06-2016 | 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Name User
According to my QRH and OM those are the speeds for severe turbulence. None are even published for light-moderate. I often see guys slow down with the onset of the slightest bumps, not gonna hurt anything but not really necessary IMO.
Originally Posted by Name User
Maybe at DAL
Which airline are you at?
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