True

False
This is the correct answer. Three components are necessary for a thunderstorm to form — sufficient moisture, unstable air, and a lifting action. Without any one of these conditions, a thunderstorm will not develop.

Single-cell, multicell, and super- cell

Stratus, cumulonimbus, and anvil

Cumulus, mature, and dissipating
Intense vertical development builds the original cloud during the first, or cumulus, stage. The mature stage begins when precipitation falls from the cloud. Thunder and lightning will also occur. The cloud eventually becomes so saturated with moisture that it is no longer able to support its own weight. Eventually the cloud will reach an altitude at which vertical development will cease. At this point, strong upper-level winds will spread the top of the cloud horizontally, creating an anvil shape. This distinctive shape is an indication of the final, or dissipating, stage.

True
This is the correct answer. Lightning will always occur during a thunderstorm. The intense air circulation inside a thunderstorm causes an excessive amount of negative charge that is released in the form of lightning. The extreme heat generated by lightning causes the air to rapidly expand, which we hear as thunder. Pilots should also expect severe turbulence, strong wind gusts, icing, hail, and wind shear, which are also commonly associated with thunderstorms.

False

True

False
Significantly warmer temperatures at lower altitudes can melt hail before it reaches the ground, preventing automated weather systems from detecting hail at higher altitudes. Hail forms when supercooled water droplets inside a thunderstorm are drawn upward by the strong updrafts, freeze, and then collect more water particles in downdrafts before being forced upward again. This process, called accretion, will continue until the hail becomes heavy enough to fall out of the cloud.

Surrounded by other clouds and are not easily seen
This is the correct answer. Embedded thunderstorms are not necessarily more hazardous than any other type. However, they are more difficult to detect because they are hidden among other clouds. This makes it more common for pilots to inadvertently fly into these storms, especially during instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Strong, severe and quick moving storms are typically in a squall line. A cluster of thunderstorms in various stages of development are collectively referred to as a multicell thunderstorm.

Often strong, severe and move quickly

A cluster of thunderstorms in various stages

Heavy rain showers

Strong downdrafts
Hazardous wind conditions may exist within several miles of a dissipating thunderstorm. As the cloud collapses, the thunderstorm weakens, producing strong downdrafts, gusty winds, low-level wind shear, and microbursts. AIM 7-1-30 encourages pilots to avoid thunderstorms by at least 20 miles.

Frequent ground lightning

The upwind side

The downwind side

All sides
Wind shear can be found on all sides of a thunderstorm. This "shear zone" occurs when the cool air from strong downdrafts expands and collides with the surrounding air outside of the cloud, causing gusty winds and severe turbulence.

Pilots who experience weather associated with thunderstorms are encouraged to submit a pilot report (pirep) when able to provide other pilots with information about the actual conditions aloft. If the details of submitting a pirep seem like a distant memory, take ASF's interactive online course SkySpotter: Pireps Made Easy to see how quick and easy it really is to get, use, and give pireps.

True

False
Although a thunderstorm always produces lightning, it is sometimes more difficult to recognize a thunderstorm at night or during IMC, especially if it's embedded. The frequency of lightning flashes depends on the stage and strength of a thunderstorm. Even if a pilot cannot see lightning, the storm may produce severe turbulence and hail that could lead to structural damage.

Getting a thorough weather briefing before takeoff is the first step in avoiding thunderstorms. During flight, contact En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS), commonly known as Flight Watch, on 122.0 to obtain weather advisories specific to your route.

Maintain altitude and increase airspeed to get through the thunderstorm more quickly.

Immediately execute a 20-degree bank, decrease airspeed and reverse course to exit the thunderstorm.

Attempt to maintain a level attitude and maintain a cruise airspeed below maneuvering speed (VA).
If you encounter a thunderstorm in flight, it is important to be more concerned about attitude than altitude. Attempt to maintain a level attitude and maintain a cruise speed below maneuvering speed (VA) to avoid structural damage to the aircraft. Remember: VA varies with weight and therefore is found in your POH, not on your airspeed indicator. If able, also contact ATC to advise them of the situation; they may be able to provide further assistance.

Choosing to reverse your course to exit the storm is not advised. By keeping the wings level and "riding" the up and downdrafts, you will reduce the risk of making abrupt control inputs that could lead to a stall, unusual attitude, or damage to the aircraft.

Pilots with hazardous weather advisories

Separation between VFR aircraft

Separation between IFR aircraft
ATC's main responsibility is to provide separation for aircraft operating on IFR flight plans. A variety of radar services are also provided to VFR traffic, including traffic advisories, but only on a workload permitting basis. Although ATC may offer weather advisories, it's not their main responsibility.

Check out ASF's WeatherWise: Thunderstorms and ATC online course to learn how ATC describes precipitation, what weather-radar services controllers can offer to pilots in flight, and how to effectively communicate with ATC during flights near convective activity. Remember, Flight Watch (122.0) is a great source of weather advisories while en route.