What is the rule of thumb for thunderstorm operations?

The rule of thumb for thunderstorm operations suggests maintaining a distance of 20 nautical miles from thunderstorms to ensure safety and avoid hazardous conditions. This distance serves as a buffer against strong winds, turbulence, lightning, and potential hail that can occur in and around thunderstorms. By adhering to this guideline, operators can decrease the risk of their unmanned aircraft encountering dangerous weather phenomena that thunderstorms typically produce.

Choosing a distance of 20 nautical miles helps in ensuring that the aircraft stays clear of the more severe effects of thunderstorms, which can extend well beyond the visible cloud structure. This safety distance is especially critical, as thunderstorms can change rapidly in intensity and size, creating unpredictable flight challenges.