Can you safely overfly a thunderstorm?

Overflying a thunderstorm can be done safely with proper precautions, and the recommendation to maintain a vertical separation of 1000 feet for every 10 knots of storm movement is grounded in meteorological principles. Thunderstorms can produce severe turbulence, lightning, and downbursts, which can pose significant risks to aircraft. By adhering to the guideline of maintaining adequate vertical clearance, pilots can reduce the chances of encountering hazardous conditions such as turbulence or wind shear that may be present in or near the storm.

This approach allows pilots to factor in the movement and intensity of the storm, as more powerful storms demonstrate greater winds and potential for hazardous phenomena. Therefore, calculating the appropriate altitude based on storm speed helps ensure safety while minimizing exposure to the associated risks of overflying thunderstorms.