What should a pilot do if they encounter turbulence during flight?

When a pilot encounters turbulence during flight, the correct action is to reduce speed and maintain aircraft control. This approach allows the pilot to ensure the aircraft remains stable and manageable while navigating through turbulent air. Reducing speed effectively decreases the stress on the aircraft structure and enhances the pilot's ability to control the aircraft by allowing more time to react to sudden changes in altitude or flight path caused by turbulence.

Maintaining control is critical during turbulence, as it helps the pilot adjust to changing conditions and ensures the safety of everyone aboard. By flying at a reduced speed, a pilot operates within the aircraft's design limitations, thereby minimizing the risk of loss of control that can be exacerbated by turbulence.

Other options, such as immediately climbing to a higher altitude, can be risky without verifying whether the turbulence will persist at different altitudes. A rapid descent is typically not advisable, as it can lead to more severe handling issues in turbulent situations. Ignoring turbulence and continuing on course without making any adjustments can compromise safety and put stress on the aircraft and passengers.