Question

What is the recommended flight procedure for scattered air mass thunderstorms?

1) Avoid the area of thunderstorms
2) Fly at a higher altitude to avoid the thunderstorms
3) Fly directly through the thunderstorms
4) Fly around the thunderstorms

Answer 1

The safest flight procedure when encountering scattered air mass thunderstorms is to avoid the area entirely and fly around the thunderstorms, maintaining a safe distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recommended flight procedure for dealing with scattered air mass thunderstorms is to avoid the area of thunderstorms altogether. Trying to fly at a higher altitude may not guarantee clearance of the thunderstorms since their tops can reach very high into the atmosphere, and flying directly through thunderstorms can be highly dangerous due to violent updrafts, lightning, hail, and severe turbulence. The safest strategy is to fly around the thunderstorms, giving them a wide berth to ensure the safety of the aircraft and its occupants.

Storm chasers, whether they are amateurs or professionals, understand the dangers associated with severe storms such as tornadoes, including sudden changes in storm paths. The most active area for tornadoes, known as tornado alley, is located in the central United States. Pilots should heed storm reports, which can provide critical information about atmospheric pressure changes that influence weather patterns and could be indicative of thunderstorm development.