choppy or they're trying to vector around stormy skies. how much discretions to a pilot have? we know that this pilot requested a deviation in altitude but is it up to the pilot to get out of the situation and do whatever he or she can do to avoid the thunderstorm? or do they have too get some directions on where to go? >> caller: absolutely. the pilot has prime responsibility for the safety of the passengers and the pilot will do whatever is necessary. now you won't always speak to air traffic control if you can get through to them. you don't want to fly into the path of another aircraft which is even more dangerous than flying into the path of a thunderstorm. if you can't get deviation in a certain direction then you ask for a deviation in a different direction. in my experience it's quite rare that you're unable to deviate on your chosen path when