Which of the following statements about turbulence is true?

Turbulence is characterized by irregular or chaotic changes in airflow, which can lead to sudden changes in altitude, making the selected statement accurate. This can occur due to a variety of factors, such as atmospheric conditions (like differing wind speeds and directions), terrain, or weather phenomena. In-flight, pilots may experience abrupt shifts that can cause the aircraft to rise or fall unexpectedly.

While turbulence is often uncomfortable for passengers and can disrupt the smoothness of flight, it is not inherently dangerous if the aircraft is operated within its limits. Instead, it is an expected part of flying that pilots are trained to handle. Acknowledging that turbulence can produce sudden altitude changes helps pilots better prepare for managing and mitigating its effects during flight, reinforcing the idea that understanding turbulence is crucial for safe flying.