What must a pilot do if they encounter hazardous weather conditions?

When a pilot encounters hazardous weather conditions, altering their flight path or seeking alternate routes is the most prudent action to maintain safety. This response aligns with fundamental aviation safety principles, which emphasize the importance of making informed decisions when faced with adverse weather. By changing the flight path, a pilot can avoid dangerous scenarios such as turbulence, storms, or low visibility that could compromise both the safety of the flight and the aircraft's integrity.

While contacting air traffic control for assistance is a good practice, it should serve as a supplemental action in conjunction with modifying the flight plan, rather than being the primary response. Continuing to fly as planned in hazardous conditions lacks regard for safety and can lead to serious incidents. Landing at the nearest airport immediately is a more drastic measure that may not always be feasible or necessary, depending on the severity of the weather encountered. Therefore, altering the flight path or seeking alternate routes exemplifies a proactive and responsible approach to managing hazardous weather situations in aviation.