What is an important non-flying action when encountering a thunderstorm?

Keeping your eyes on the instruments is an essential non-flying action when encountering a thunderstorm because adverse weather conditions can severely impair visual references and create a hazardous flying environment. In a thunderstorm, the likelihood of strong turbulence, hail, lightning, and reduced visibility increases significantly, making it critical for pilots to rely on their instruments to maintain situational awareness and control of the aircraft.

By focusing on the instruments, a pilot can monitor altitude, attitude, airspeed, and other critical flight parameters, ensuring that they maintain control during potential turbulence and adverse weather conditions. Utilizing instruments allows the pilot to respond appropriately to sudden changes in aircraft performance or external environment without the distraction of trying to see outside, where conditions may be too severe.

In contrast, other actions, such as continuing straight to the destination, changing course randomly, or reducing altitude drastically, may not be safe or effective responses to a thunderstorm. Each of these options could lead to increased risk or loss of control in such a challenging flying situation.