Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Commercial Pilot License Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pilots often choose to fly above a storm primarily to avoid bad weather and turbulence. Storms can produce severe weather phenomena such as turbulence, lightning, and heavy precipitation, all of which can adversely impact aircraft performance and passenger comfort. By flying at a higher altitude, pilots can navigate above the storm cloud formations, where conditions are typically smoother and more stable. This altitude can significantly reduce the risk of encountering turbulence and associated hazards that storms present at lower elevations.

The other options, while they may contain elements of truth in certain contexts, do not directly address the primary reason pilots would seek to fly above a storm in a practical aviation scenario. For instance, while increased cruising speed can theoretically be achieved at altitude, it is not usually the primary motive for flying over a storm. Similarly, while better scenery can be an added benefit of flying at higher altitudes, it is not a safety-related factor. Compliance with FAA regulations pertains more to flying safely and correctly, which encompasses avoiding hazardous weather, thereby linking back to the rationale for selecting the altitude to fly.