What should be done if encountering downdrafts during flight?

When encountering downdrafts during flight, the most appropriate course of action is to communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and follow established procedures. This allows the pilot to receive guidance on managing the situation safely and, if necessary, to receive assistance in altering their flight path to avoid hazardous conditions.

Communicating with ATC provides critical situational awareness and can help coordinate with other traffic, ensuring a safe route is maintained while also receiving pertinent updates about weather and flight conditions in the area. Following proper procedures is vital to ensure safety and operational integrity.

While altering altitude may seem like a potential solution, simply increasing altitude immediately can be dangerous if not done with the proper assessment of the situation and without understanding the nature of the downdrafts. Making a gradual descent can also be risky since it may not address the immediate threat of downdrafts effectively. Adhering to the flight plan does not take into account changing conditions that may warrant a deviation from it. Thus, effective communication and adherence to established procedures are essential in managing unpredictable weather phenomena like downdrafts.