Before I start just a short explanation:
"Light chop" is the term to describe a condition one notch worse than baby-bum smooth air. It is typical to not even put the seat belt signs on in light chop.
The next condition is moderate chop, then light turbulence, then moderate turbulence, severe turbulence, extreme turbulence.
So, it's only a very light turbulences.


Someone posted this ATC log on a discussion forum. So it's not experienced by myself, I just found it and wanna share it.


Just been listening to an unbelievable conversation between NY OAC on 3455KHz and flight AAL1196.

The story started with AAL1196 (A300 N70074) at FL340 and requesting higher. NY came back some minutes later and replied unable due to traffic.

AAL1196: NY that's not acceptable. We're getting continuous light chop here. Get me Centre on the line.
NY: Stand by.

NY: AAL1196 go ahead.
AAL1196: NY AAL1196, we're right on the edge of the chop here and need a higher level or something. We need you to do something for us. Can you get us direct AZEZU and BERGH to NY?

NY (Centre now talking) gave him a clearance to another point via R511 and then AZEZU A300 BERGH to JFK but the flight declined as "that's no better". NY then said he could route direct ETOCA.

AAL1196: No, that's not acceptable. We're getting continuous light chop here and if you can't route us away from it then we're descending to 280.

NY Centre: I'm sorry sir but that's the best I can do at this time. Unable descent as I have opposite direction traffic at 330.

AAL1196 (raised voice): No, you need to do something for us. If you don't get us out of this chop then we WILL declare an emergency if that's what we have to do to get a lower altitude.

NY Centre: AAL1196 you're cleared direct to ETOCA at F340.

AAL1196 (shouting): Direct ECHO TANGO OSCAR CHARLIE ALPHA, out. We'll stay at 340 for a little while longer, but you need to do something for us NY.

NY Centre: New York. Out



This guy can't be serious! Declaring an emergency because of light chop? WTF?