If you encounter turbulence, what do you do?

• A. Increase airspeed to pass through
• B. Reduce altitude to exit turbulence
• C. Request a different route
• D. In severe turbulence, maintain attitude

Answer: (D)

In turbulence, the priority is to keep the airplane under positive control with smooth, small inputs and to avoid overreacting to gusts. The safest move in severe turbulence is to maintain the aircraft’s attitude—keep the wings level and hold a stable pitch, letting the gusts pass rather than chasing a specific airspeed or altitude. Use gentle control corrections and set power to maintain a safe, turbulence-penetration airspeed if needed, so loads stay within limits and control is preserved.

Raising airspeed to punch through the turbulence increases dynamic loads on the airframe and is not advised. Descending to escape turbulence isn’t inherently reliable and can put you in different air layers or terrain risks. Asking for a different route can be appropriate in some situations, but the immediate action to maintain control is the best practice during severe turbulence.