Air Rum

Air Rum is a term, primarily used in aviation and meteorology, referring to the presence and characteristics of atmospheric turbulence encountered by aircraft. While "rum" is not a formal scientific term, it colloquially describes bumpy or uneven airflow experienced during flight. The severity of air rum can range from light chop, causing slight erratic changes in altitude and attitude, to severe turbulence, which can result in large and abrupt changes in altitude and airspeed, potentially causing temporary loss of control.

Air rum is caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Thermal Turbulence: Uneven heating of the Earth's surface creates rising currents of warm air (thermals) and sinking currents of cooler air. Aircraft flying through these currents experience vertical accelerations, leading to a bumpy ride.

• Mechanical Turbulence: Obstacles such as mountains, buildings, and even trees can disrupt smooth airflow, creating eddies and turbulence. This is particularly pronounced downwind of large obstructions.

• Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): This is a type of turbulence that occurs in the absence of clouds, making it difficult to detect visually. CAT is often associated with jet streams, temperature gradients, and wind shear.

• Wake Turbulence: This is turbulence created by the passage of another aircraft, particularly large aircraft during takeoff and landing. The vortices generated by the wings can persist for several minutes and pose a hazard to following aircraft.

Pilots rely on weather forecasts, pilot reports (PIREPs), and onboard radar to anticipate and avoid areas of significant air rum. When encountering turbulence, pilots are trained to maintain airspeed and control, and to instruct passengers to fasten their seatbelts.