When flying over a severe thunderstorm, how much altitude should be maintained above the cloud?

Maintaining altitude above a severe thunderstorm is crucial for safety due to the turbulence, updrafts, and downdrafts associated with such weather phenomena. The correct approach, which is to maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet for each 10 knots of windspeed, provides a guideline that accounts for the intensity of the storm. This calculation allows pilots to create a buffer proportional to the wind's strength, as stronger winds often indicate more severe turbulence and more hazardous conditions below.

This method also helps to ensure safe separation from the cloud tops, reducing the risk of encountering severe turbulence or other potentially dangerous atmospheric conditions that can occur within or immediately adjacent to the storm. Therefore, understanding the relationship between windspeed and altitude clearance is essential for effective flight planning and avoiding hazardous weather situations.