On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 02:28:57 GMT, Chip Jones wrote:

One of the hardest parts about the enroute ATC business is delivering
turbulence reports to aircraft operating in the flight-levels. Frankly,
there is absolutely no "chop" which is operationally significant to ATC. We
could care less. We care about the buzz-word "turbulence", not "chop." If
we're getting reports of "continuous light turbulence", we take notice.
"Moderate" or greater turbulence, and we take action. "Severe" and we put
the word out far and wide and move airplanes far away to miss it.

Hi Chip,

Wouldn't "chop" be synomonous (sp?) with turbulence based on 9-2-8 at
http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/FSS/fss0902.html?

Below is the excerpt from that section. Note Item B below.

9-2-8. REPORTING TURBULENCE IN PIREPS

a. Turbulence reports should include location, altitude, or range of
altitudes, and aircraft type, and should include whether in clouds or clear
air. The degree of turbulence, intensity, and duration (occasional,
intermittent, and continuous) is determined by the pilot. It is essential
that the report is obtained and disseminated when possible in conformance
with the U.S. Standard Turbulence Criteria Table as follows:

1. Light. Loose objects in aircraft remain at rest.

2. Moderate. Unsecured objects are dislodged. Occupants feel definite
strains against seat belts and shoulder straps.

3. Severe. Occupants thrown violently against seat belts. Momentary loss of
aircraft control. Unsecured objects tossed about.

4. Extreme. Aircraft is tossed violently about, impossible to control. May
cause structural damage.

b. Report CAT or CHOP if used by the pilot to describe the type of
turbulence

I fly a lil ole Sundowner, so I figure you wouldn't hear from me at FL33
*smile*.

Keep up the good work. Everytime I fly, I am amazed how calm and cool you
ATC folks are when the weather goes south.

Allen