Thunderstorms are one of nature’s most powerful — and electrical — phenomena.
Thunderstorms may be an awesome force to watch and admire form afar, but they are something that many of us try to avoid. After all, it’s not much fun to be struck by lightning!
So how do pilots avoid thunderstorms when they are up in the air close to a storm while flying a plane?
Thunderstorm avoidance is a technique important to pilots.
Thunderstorms have been known to take down a number of small planes, and they even have been responsible for (or at least suspected as being the cause of) some accidents involving large planes.
- One way pilots avoid a thunderstorm when flying a plane is to fly on top of the thunderstorm.
- They also use air traffic control’s help as well — since they can see on radar what a pilot cannot see out the window when flying through rain.
- Another thing pilots do is track storms on radar ahead of time to see where the thunderstorms are heading.
More Fun Stuff About Weather & Flying
- See how hurricane planes are helping with weather research.
- Want to see if a flight has been delayed? Check the FAA’s Flight Delay Information.
Check out this video of a pilot describing the storm clouds he’s seeing from the cockpit:
I'm a weather geek from Florida who's been studying meteorology and watching weather patterns for years! I enjoy sharing little-known facts and fun stuff about the weather. I especially like sharing interesting details about weather events and conditions that can affect you… and how to prepare for Mother Nature's ever-changing weather patterns.
