What should a pilot be vigilant about when encountering lenticular clouds?

Lenticular clouds are a distinct type of cloud formation that often appear in a lens shape, typically forming over mountainous or hilly terrain. These clouds are associated with specific atmospheric conditions that can lead to significant turbulence. When a pilot encounters lenticular clouds, it is crucial to be vigilant about the potential for severe turbulence and downdrafts.

These clouds can create strong vertical air movements due to the wave patterns generated by airflow over the terrain. This turbulence can be extremely hazardous, particularly when flying at low altitudes or in close proximity to the cloud. Downdrafts can lead to sudden altitude loss, making it essential for pilots to recognize and understand the conditions associated with lenticular clouds to maintain safety.

In contrast, visibility may not necessarily improve in the presence of such clouds as they can also indicate unstable air. The presence of lenticular clouds does not inherently correlate with increased bird activity, which varies independently of cloud types. Lastly, normal flight conditions would not apply in the vicinity of lenticular clouds due to the associated turbulence.