What should a student pilot do if they encounter unexpected turbulence?

When a student pilot encounters unexpected turbulence, maintaining control of the aircraft and following established recovery techniques is essential. Turbulence can cause the aircraft to experience sudden changes in altitude and attitude, which may be unsettling but is typically manageable with proper technique.

By maintaining control, the pilot can focus on stabilizing the aircraft and ensuring that it remains within safe operating parameters. This includes making small adjustments to the controls, keeping a steady attitude, and staying aware of the aircraft's performance. Following established recovery techniques, which the pilot has learned during training, helps in mitigating the effects of turbulence effectively.

In contrast, other options may not be appropriate responses. Landing immediately could lead to unnecessary risks if the turbulence is transient or if there is no safe landing option nearby. Changing altitude suddenly without assessing the situation can lead to further complications, such as entering more turbulent air at a different altitude. Ignoring turbulence and continuing the flight without taking action could jeopardize safety, as the pilot would not be actively managing the aircraft's response to the conditions. Thus, maintaining control and using recovery techniques is the most logical and safe course of action in unexpected turbulence.