Aviation Weather: Thunderstorm Management and Safety

Study Notes

Evaluating safe altitude levels is crucial when flying over thunderstorms to maintain airplane operability and passenger comfort.
In-flight diversion may be necessary in case of unavoidable thunderstorm activity, requiring clear and concise communication with air traffic control.

Thunderstorms are formidable weather phenomena that can pose hazards such as extreme turbulence, hail, lightning, and wind shear.
Cumulonimbus clouds, often accompanied by heavy precipitation, are a warning sign for pilots to exercise vigilance.
The anvil shape and sound of thunder are natural warnings that should dictate a pilot's next move.

Best practice is to avoid thunderstorms during flight planning by reviewing weather briefings and proactively planning a route to steer clear of known thunderstorm activity areas.
Onboard equipment such as radar systems can detect thunderstorms from afar, allowing pilots to circumnavigate the threat.
Correct interpretation of radar data is essential to distinguish between non-threatening clouds and potential danger zones.

Immediate response measures when encountering a thunderstorm include requesting route deviations from Air Traffic Control, securing loose objects in the cabin, alerting passengers, and preparing for potential turbulence.
Keep a safe distance of at least 20 nautical miles from the storm cell to minimize risk.
Maintain clear and continuous communication with Air Traffic Control, providing updates on the situation and heeding their advice.

After navigating through a thunderstorm, inspect the aircraft for any damage and report the encounter to assist in weather tracking and to aid fellow pilots.

A commercial airliner encountered a rapidly developing thunderstorm, resulting in severe turbulence and lightning strikes that caused temporary loss of some avionic systems.
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe distance from thunderstorm cells, as the anvil can extend several miles from the core, bringing turbulence and lightning risks.

A regional jet on final approach encountered wind shear caused by a nearby thunderstorm, resulting in rapid airspeed fluctuations and struggles to maintain a stable descent.
The pilots applied wind shear recovery procedures, increasing thrust and adopting a go-around attitude, to regain control and perform a go-around.

A light aircraft flew into an unforeseen hail-producing thunderstorm shortly after takeoff, resulting in a shattered windshield and severely dented leading edges.
The case illustrates the swift onset of adverse conditions associated with thunderstorms and the necessity for thorough pre-flight weather briefings and real-time weather updates.

A cargo aircraft was landing during a thunderstorm, resulting in heavy rain and dramatically reduced visibility, which led to a critical moment of lost visual reference to the runway.
The pilots decided to continue the approach relying on instruments, but post-flight analysis suggested that a missed approach would have been the safer option.
The case emphasizes the perils of reduced visibility in thunderstorm conditions and the importance of adhering to standard operating procedures when visual references are lost.