What should you do if severe turbulence is encountered during your IFR flight?

When severe turbulence is encountered during an IFR flight, slowing the airplane to design maneuvering speed is the appropriate action. This speed ensures that the aircraft remains controllable while minimizing structural stress on the airframe. Design maneuvering speed, or Va, is the maximum speed at which full deflection of the control surfaces can be safely exerted without risking loss of control. Maintaining this speed allows you to handle turbulent conditions more effectively, as it provides the necessary control authority while protecting the aircraft from excessive aerodynamic loads.

Reducing airspeed allows the aircraft to respond more gradually to sudden changes in lift and attitude caused by turbulence. This is especially important during periods of severe turbulence, where quick movements can aggravate the situation and lead to potential control issues or structural damage.

In contrast, increasing speed to maintain altitude may not be safe or effective in turbulent air, as it could lead to higher stress on the airframe. Climbing to a higher altitude immediately might not be feasible or safe without first assessing whether turbulence extends to higher levels. Soften your approach and reduce throttle might lead to inadequate power for maintaining control in turbulent conditions.

By selecting design maneuvering speed, you are prioritizing safety and control during a turbulent encounter, which is a critical skill for IFR