Which description best defines light chop?

• A. Slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude
• B. Large altitude changes
• C. Rapid, rhythmic bumps with big attitude changes
• D. Slight, rapid and somewhat rhythmic bumpiness without appreciable changes in altitude or attitude

Answer: (D)

Light chop is light turbulence felt as small, rapid bumps that are somewhat rhythmic. The key idea is that these bumps do not produce noticeable changes in the airplane’s altitude or attitude, so the flight path stays essentially level with only minor wiggles in pitch and roll. This distinguishes it from stronger turbulence, which would involve larger vertical movements or more abrupt attitude changes. You might feel a gentle, rhythmic shaking, but you won’t see appreciable climbs, descents, or large tilts of the aircraft.