When facing Clear Air Turbulence (CAT), what is the recommended action?

The recommended action when facing Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) is to fly at the recommended turbulence penetration airspeed and make gradual adjustments. This approach is effective because turbulence penetration airspeed is typically higher than normal operating airspeed, helping to minimize the aircraft's vertical oscillations and enhance control during turbulent conditions. By making gradual adjustments, pilots can respond to changes in the aircraft's behavior without overreacting, which could lead to further handling difficulties.

Flying at this specific airspeed allows for a safer experience as it provides ample margin above stall speed while still affording pilots sufficient control authority to navigate through or around turbulent areas. Maintaining a smooth flight profile is crucial during CAT, as sudden deviations in altitude or direction could exacerbate the turbulence effects on the aircraft.

Choosing to climb, descend, or make drastic course changes may not always be effective strategies during CAT, as these conditions are often high-altitude phenomena that can exist without visible weather cues. Therefore, it’s essential to operate the aircraft efficiently using established procedures for turbulence to ensure the safety and comfort of both the crew and passengers.