Question

Which procedure is recommended if a pilot should unintentionally penetrate embedded thunderstorm activity?

1) Descend to a lower altitude and exit the thunderstorm as quickly as possible
2) Continue the flight at the current altitude and maintain heading
3) Increase the altitude to clear the thunderstorm
4) Turn the aircraft around and go back to the departure airport

Answer 1

The recommended procedure for a pilot who unintentionally penetrates a thunderstorm is to maintain the current altitude and heading, and seek the most direct route out of the storm, relying on instruments and ATC guidance.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a pilot unintentionally penetrates embedded thunderstorm activity, the recommended procedure is to maintain the current altitude and heading, and avoid maneuvers which may exacerbate the situation. Descending to a lower altitude, increasing altitude to try to clear the storm, or turning back to the departure airport could potentially place the aircraft in greater danger due to severe turbulence or other hazardous weather-related phenomena associated with thunderstorms.

The priority should be to exit the thunderstorm by the most direct route possible while maintaining aircraft control and communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC) for guidance and assistance. Pilots are trained to handle unexpected encounters with severe weather and are instructed to rely on their instruments and training in these situations.