What should a pilot do if they encounter a thunderstorm?

When a pilot encounters a thunderstorm, maintaining a safe distance and altitude to avoid the storm is the best course of action. Thunderstorms can produce severe turbulence, lightning, hail, and even microbursts, which pose serious hazards to flight safety. By avoiding the storm, the pilot minimizes the risks associated with these potentially destructive weather phenomena.

Opting to fly directly through a thunderstorm can expose the aircraft and its occupants to life-threatening conditions, including sudden wind shear and loss of control. Landing immediately may not be practical or safe, as it could lead to an uncontrolled descent or landing in hazardous conditions. Consulting other pilots could be helpful for gathering information, but relying solely on this action does not address the immediate need to avoid the storm. Therefore, the most prudent approach is to maintain safe distance and altitude from the thunderstorm.