What Happens When Planes Fly Over Storm Clouds
Flying Above the Turbulence
Most storms happen below 30,000 feet.
Planes usually cruise
above 35,000 feet
, well over the rough weather zone, staying safe and smooth.
Avoiding Thunderstorm Cores
Pilots never fly
through
thunderstorm cores — radar helps them detect and fly around dangerous areas like lightning or hail.
Turbulence Is Common
Flying over storms can cause turbulence, but aircraft are built to handle extreme conditions safely and flexibly.
Lightning Strikes Are Safe Too
Planes sometimes get hit by lightning — but nothing happens!
Their metal bodies conduct electricity harmlessly and protect passengers.
Pilot and ATC Coordination
Pilots work closely with
air traffic control
to track storms and adjust routes — safety decisions are made in real-time.
Why You See Storms Below
When you spot lightning far below, your plane is actually flying
above the storm’s top layer
, in clearer skies.
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