A
Geoff Smith & Mal Wa Ike r
L
:1r
Turbulence from
mountain waves is a
major threat for general aviation operations, particularly for
low level flying in low
powered aircraft.
.4;4
Aq
Abandoned flight
Wind
profile
Severe rotor
/
INVERS
60
kts
J/
1fl
26 FLIGHT SAFETY AUSTRALIA AUTUMN 1997
7 .
/L
...!':
:. /Wollongong
owl
300m
0 10
Nowra
km
tII
\ L_I
Wave formation
Turbulence from mountain waves around
hills or mountains is a major threat for general aviation operations, particularly for low
level flying in low powered aircraft.
The effects increase with elevation as
power margins decrease and wind speeds
increase.
The conditions most favourable for the formation of mountain waves are:
Winds flowing at right angles or nearly
right angles to the ranges.
Wind strengths of at least 20 knots at the
ridge line. The stronger the wind the greater
the turbulence and more likelihood of loss of
control. If a localised gust were to reach 50
knots the downdraft effect is generally greater
than 500ft per minute.
Wind speed increasing with height.
A relatively stable atmosphere.