If you are unable to comply with an instruction due to weather, what is the recommended response?

• A. Proceed with the instruction as soon as possible.
• B. Wait for weather to improve and then continue.
• C. Ignore weather and continue if it is minor.
• D. Provide a brief reason and request alternate instructions; for example, unable due to weather and request an alternate heading.

Answer: (D)

When you can’t follow an instruction because of weather, the important move is to communicate clearly and seek a safe alternative. You acknowledge the constraint, give a brief reason, and ask for different instructions. This keeps you and the controller aligned on safety and allows a feasible plan to be put in place without delaying or creating confusion.

That’s why saying you’re unable to comply due to weather and requesting an alternate instruction (for example, an alternate heading) is best. It combines a concise explanation with an proactive request for a new direction, keeping operations safe and predictable.

The other approaches miss that balance: one ignores the weather and proceeds, another waits for improvement without coordinating, and another ignores the weather and continues if it seems minor. None of those maintain the necessary safety and communication flow.