Weather theoryQuestion 350 of 934

How far should a pilot stay from a severe thunderstorm, or one with an extreme radar echo?

  1. At least 5 nautical miles
  2. At least 20 nautical miles
  3. At least 10 miles below the cloud base
  4. Any distance, if the pilot stays above 10,000 feet
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Correct answer: At least 20 nautical miles

Hail may fall for miles outside the clouds.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 12: Weather Theory — Thunderstorms, page 307

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026