What is the first action a pilot should take when encountering a thunderstorm?

When encountering a thunderstorm, the primary concern for a pilot is safety. The first action a pilot should take is to avoid flying through the storm. Thunderstorms can produce severe turbulence, lightning, hail, and microbursts, which pose significant risks to the aircraft and its occupants. By avoiding the storm, the pilot can prevent exposing the aircraft to these hazardous conditions.

Choosing an alternative flight path around the thunderstorm is the best strategy for ensuring safety. This avoidance may involve altering the route to keep a safe distance from the storm’s edges. The other options, such as turning off the autopilot, increasing altitude, or making a 180-degree turn, can be useful in certain scenarios, but the priority is to steer clear of the storm altogether to maintain control and ensure the well-being of everyone on board. Avoiding the thunderstorm is the most effective way to mitigate risk.