What should a pilot do if they encounter thunderstorms during flight?

When encountering thunderstorms during flight, the best course of action is to avoid flying through them and look for alternate routing. Thunderstorms can produce a variety of hazards, including severe turbulence, lightning, hail, and even tornadoes, which can significantly jeopardize the safety of the flight.

By seeking an alternate route, a pilot can maintain a safe distance from the storm's dangerous conditions. This strategy allows the pilot to use weather radar and real-time information to navigate around areas of intense precipitation and instability, ensuring a safer flight experience. Additionally, pilots often rely on air traffic control for guidance and keeping other aircraft informed about their movements to enhance overall safety in the airspace.

Choosing to reroute rather than flying through a thunderstorm mitigates risks and enhances the safety of both the aircraft and its occupants.