What are the best practices for air navigation during thunderstorms?

2 Plan your route

Based on the weather information, you should plan your route carefully, considering factors such as fuel, time, distance, terrain, airspace, and alternate airports. You should avoid flying through or near thunderstorms whenever possible, and maintain a safe distance from them. The recommended minimum separation from a thunderstorm is 20 nautical miles (NM), but this may vary depending on the size, shape, and severity of the storm. You should also avoid flying under or over a thunderstorm, as this can expose you to severe turbulence, hail, or downdrafts. You should have a contingency plan in case you encounter a thunderstorm along your route, such as changing your course, altitude, or speed, or diverting to another airport. You should also monitor the weather updates and communicate with air traffic control (ATC) or other pilots for any changes or advisories.

3 Equip your aircraft

To fly safely in thunderstorm-prone areas, you should equip your aircraft with the appropriate instruments and systems that can help you detect, avoid, and escape from thunderstorms. A transponder with altitude encoding can help ATC identify and track your position and altitude, as well as provide you with traffic and weather information. A radio with navigation and communication capabilities is also beneficial for receiving and transmitting weather broadcasts, alerts, and instructions from ATC or other pilots. Additionally, a global positioning system (GPS) can help you navigate accurately and efficiently, while a weather radar or a stormscope can help you locate and avoid thunderstorms and their associated hazards. Furthermore, an autopilot can be useful for maintaining a stable flight attitude in turbulent conditions; however, it should not be relied on to fly through or near a thunderstorm. It is important to be aware of the limitations and errors of these devices, and use them with caution and common sense.

4 Avoid the hazards

If you encounter a thunderstorm along your route, you should try to avoid it by changing your course, altitude, or speed, or by diverting to another airport. Additionally, there are several hazards associated with thunderstorms that you should be mindful of. Turbulence can cause structural damage, loss of control, or injury to passengers and crew; therefore, you should reduce your airspeed to the recommended turbulence penetration speed and secure any loose items. Lightning can damage your electrical systems, instruments, or airframe; thus, you should turn on your anti-collision and navigation lights and check your circuit breakers. Hail can dent your airframe, crack your windshield, or damage your engine or propeller; consequently, you should avoid flying in areas of heavy precipitation and seek shelter as soon as possible if you encounter hail. Wind shear can cause sudden changes in your airspeed, altitude, or direction; it is most likely to occur near the edges or the base of a thunderstorm; therefore, you should use your instruments and power to maintain a safe airspeed and altitude.

5 Escape if necessary

If you find yourself in a thunderstorm, it is essential to escape as quickly and safely as possible. To increase your chances of survival, turn on your pitot heat and carburetor heat (if applicable) to prevent icing, as well as any de-icing or anti-icing equipment (if available) to remove any ice accumulation. Additionally, use your weather radar or stormscope (if available) to identify the nearest exit from the storm. Declare an emergency to ATC or other pilots, and request assistance or guidance. Set your altimeter to the standard pressure setting of 29.92 inches of mercury (inHg) or 1013.25 hectopascals (hPa) and maintain a constant heading and altitude. Do not attempt to turn back or climb out of the storm, as this can worsen your situation or cause a spatial disorientation. You can also use your autopilot (if available), but be ready to take over manually if needed. Lastly, stay calm and focused, trusting your instruments and skills. By following these best practices for air navigation during thunderstorms, you can enhance your safety and performance as a pilot.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?