What should a pilot do if they encounter thunderstorms along their flight path with inoperative radar?

When a pilot encounters thunderstorms along their flight path and has inoperative radar, requesting a change in routing from Air Traffic Control (ATC) is the most prudent action. This decision is rooted in ensuring safety; deviating from the planned route can help avoid severe weather conditions and reduce the risk of turbulence, lightning, or other hazardous weather phenomena associated with thunderstorms.

ATC has access to updated weather information and can provide alternative routing that circumvents the thunderstorms, enhancing the safety of the flight. By communicating this need, the pilot leverages ATC's resources to navigate around the hazardous area effectively.

Other options, while they might seem viable, do not offer the same level of safety or practicality. For instance, making a 180-degree turn and returning may not be the best course of action, as it could lead the aircraft back into a similarly dangerous situation. Continuing along the current route with caution does not adequately address the immediate threat posed by thunderstorms, especially when radar is out of service. Landing at the nearest airport immediately might be overly drastic unless the situation is critical, as diversions must consider available airports and weather conditions. Thus, seeking a routing change from ATC is the safest and most effective response in this scenario.