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THE PILOTS COLLECTIVE

Safety Short: Thunderstorm Awareness & Avoidance

Pilots Collective Safety Series

Topic: Thunderstorms Avoidance, Awareness, and Decision-Making

Author: Pilots Collective Safety Team


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Why Thunderstorms Demand Respect


Thunderstorms are among the most violent weather hazards in aviation. They present multiple threats including:


  • Severe turbulence

  • Lightning strikes

  • Hail damage

  • Wind shear and microbursts

  • Icing conditions

  • Reduced visibility from heavy rain


Even aircraft certified for all-weather operations should never attempt to fly through a thunderstorm.



Step 1: Gathering Thunderstorm Information Before Flight

Thorough preflight weather analysis is the first defense against convective activity. Here’s how to build an effective picture of thunderstorm risks:


Official Weather Sources:

  • FAA Flight Service (1800WXBRIEF / Leidos): Full standard briefings, including convective SIGMETs.

  • AviationWeather.gov (NWS):

    • Convective Outlooks: SPC (Storm Prediction Center) Day 1–3 thunderstorm forecasts

    • Radar Loops: Real-time NEXRAD mosaic imagery

    • SIGMETs / AIRMETs: Watch for convective SIGMETs indicating widespread TS activity

  • ForeFlight / Garmin Pilot / SkyVector:

    • Use layers like “Radar”, “Satellite”, and “METARs/TAFs” to see developing or forecast storms.

  • TAFs / METARs:

    • Look for CB (cumulonimbus), TS (thunderstorm), and TEMPO groups forecasting temporary convective activity.


Step 2: Understanding Forecast Products


Convective SIGMETs (WST):

  • Issued for areas of active or forecasted severe thunderstorms (hail ≥ ¾", winds ≥ 50 knots, or tornadoes), embedded thunderstorms, lines of thunderstorms, or TS affecting 40%+ of a 3,000 sq mile area.


TAFs:

  • Check for “TSRA” (Thunderstorms with rain) or “CB” for developing cumulonimbus clouds.


SPC Convective Outlook (If available):

  • Categorical risk levels (Marginal, Slight, Moderate, High) for convective potential especially useful for cross-country planning.


Radar + Satellite:

  • Composite radar (precip intensity) + satellite (cloud tops) gives you a 3D mental model of storm severity and altitude.


Step 3: Risk Management, Tools and Tactics


Use Risk Management Tools to assess your flight in relation to thunderstorm exposure:


IMSAFE:


Ensure personal readiness. Fatigue, stress, or illness can impair rapid decision-making in volatile weather.


PAVE:

  • Pilot: Are you instrument current and proficient?

  • Aircraft: Does your aircraft have onboard radar or stormscope?

  • enVironment: Are TS forecast along the route? Terrain limits deviation options?

  • External Pressures: Are you on a tight schedule or trying to “get there”?


5P Model:

  • Pilot, Plane, Plan, Passengers, Programming — all must adapt as convective conditions evolve.


In-Flight: Thunderstorm Avoidance Techniques


If already airborne and storms are building, here’s what to remember:

  • Avoid TS by at least 20 NM laterally, especially on the downwind side.

  • Never penetrate a squall line or embedded CB.

  • Request deviations early, ATC prefers proactive changes.

  • Use onboard radar or ADS-B weather with caution: ADS-B has latency; don’t assume it's real-time.

  • Climb above by at least 1000 ft per 10 knots of wind if crossing a storm anvil (very rare).

  • Watch for virga and hail shafts indicating active downdrafts.


On the Ground: Avoiding Ramp & Taxi Hazards


Thunderstorms are not just an airborne hazard.

  • Ramp Safety: High winds can toss unsecured aircraft. Always tie down properly and avoid being outside during lightning warnings.

  • Taxi Risk: Reduced visibility, sudden wind gusts, and flooded taxiways can compromise control.

  • Diversion Planning: Have alternates that are NOT affected by the same convective system. Think regionally, not just linearly.


Final Thoughts: "GO AROUND the Weather, Not Through It"

No matter how experienced or capable the aircraft is, flying through a thunderstorm is never worth it. Use every available resource, weather tools, planning methods, and ATC  to stay out of harm’s way.

Remember:


“There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots.”




RESOURCES FOR YOU!






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