An Initial Assessment of a Clear Air Turbulence Forecasting Product

Abstract

Clear air turbulence, also known as CAT, can cause damage to an aircrafts structure and, in severe cases, harm passengers. Though CAT has been thoroughly studied since the mid 1960s, scientists have not been able to create an accurate forecasting device. The product tested is known as the Deformation-Vertical Shear Index (DVSI), created by Knox, Ellrod, and Williams. The DVSI is currently used by several commercial carriers and military aircraft. The general feedback has been positive; however, results indicate that the product tends to overestimate CAT intensity.