Pilot Proficiency

Everything Explained: Thunderstorm Avoidance, Penetration and Survival

Monday, June 05, 2017 at 10:49 PM ET

Verified

Thunderstorm visible from a cockpit [Getty Images]

Key Takeaways:

Pilots without onboard radar should prioritize visual avoidance of thunderstorms using VFR conditions and obtaining real-time information from ATC and PIREPs.
In-cockpit Nexrad data is significantly delayed (15-20 minutes) and should only be used for strategic route planning, not for tactical avoidance of severe or fast-moving weather systems.
In the event of inadvertent thunderstorm penetration, the primary actions are to slow down to maneuvering speed (Va), keep the wings level, and inform ATC of the emergency without waiting for permission.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Thunderstorm Avoidance without Onboard Radar: