So what’s the best altitude to minimize your exposure to moderate or greater turbulence? Well, considering both in-cloud and out-of-cloud turbulence, flight between 8,000 and 12,000 feet will allow for the smoothest ride, on average.”

A pilot encountering turbulence has three options: change altitude, alter course, or ride out the roughness. Fighting turbulence with aggressive movement of the flight controls can make a bad situation worse.

Although light turbulence gathers the attention of the passengers, pilots can safely navigate through light turbulence. Moderate turbulence can be uncomfortable for passengers, and if possible, pilots may request an altitude or reasonable routing change to find smoother air.

To avoid the most critical icing, establish a penetration altitude below the freezing level or above the level of -15ºC. This is to help minimize rapid accumulation of clear ice: Supercooled water freezes on impact with an aircraft.

Aircraft flying at higher altitudes are less affected by thermal turbulence. This is because the source of the turbulence is the heated surface, and the updraft’s energy will dissipate. Cumulus clouds are good indicators of convective activity in the area.