FAA Ground School Practice Test

Upon encountering severe turbulence, what flight condition should the pilot try to maintain?

1. Climb to a higher altitude

2. Level flight altitude

3. Bank to the left

4. Descend to a lower altitude

The correct answer is: Level flight altitude

Maintaining level flight altitude during severe turbulence is crucial for several reasons. First, in turbulent conditions, changing altitude can lead to unpredictable aircraft behavior. Climbing or descending can exacerbate the effects of turbulence, potentially putting additional stress on the aircraft and making it harder to control. By keeping a steady altitude, the pilot can focus on stabilizing the aircraft and reducing the risk of excessive vertical motion. Maintaining level flight also allows the pilot to closely monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments without venturing into potentially more severe turbulence at different altitudes. Moreover, level flight helps ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew by minimizing abrupt changes in motion, as turbulent air varies in intensity and direction. In this way, staying at a constant altitude becomes a practical strategy for managing the aircraft's response to turbulence effectively.