During turbulence, which set of actions best describes proper configuration?

• A. Slow down, wings level, maintain a constant pitch attitude
• B. Speed up and bank into a shallow turn
• C. Descend to reduce airspeed
• D. Disconnect autopilot and hand-fly aggressively

Answer: (A)

During turbulence, the goal is to minimize gust loads while keeping the airplane controllable and the airspeed stable. Slowing down to a safe turbulent-speed reduces the forces the airframe has to absorb and makes the aircraft less responsive to every gust. Keeping the wings level avoids additional load from bank angles, since rolling into a turn during turbulence increases structural stress and can make the flight path harder to manage. Maintaining a steady pitch attitude helps prevent airspeed swings caused by gusts, so the airplane remains predictable and easier to control.

This approach keeps the aircraft from overreacting to every gust and reduces the chance of exceeding structural or control limits. Avoiding large changes in pitch or bank, not diving or climbing aggressively to change airspeed, and not unnecessarily disconnecting autopilot helps maintain a stable, safe configuration through the turbulence.