What are the potential hazards of thunderstorms for aviation?

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Thunderstorms present several significant hazards for aviation, primarily characterized by severe turbulence, lightning, hail, and wind shear.

Severe turbulence is often associated with the vertical development of thunderstorms, which can cause sudden and extreme changes in altitude and airspeed, posing a threat to aircraft control and passenger safety. Lightning is another critical hazard; it can strike an aircraft, causing electrical malfunctions or structural damage while also posing risks during ground operations. Hail can create dangerous conditions as well, as it may damage aircraft surfaces and instruments, especially during takeoff and landing phases. Finally, wind shear—rapid changes in wind speed or direction in a short distance—can be particularly hazardous during takeoff and landing, leading to potential loss of control.

In contrast, clear skies with high visibility indicate stable weather conditions that pose little to no hazard to aviation. Minor precipitation with no severe winds suggests a benign weather scenario, and consistent mild winds are generally favorable for flight operations. These conditions do not contribute to the dangerous environment that thunderstorms establish, making option B the only choice that accurately reflects the potential hazards for aviation related to thunderstorms.

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