During a pre-departure briefing, what should a pilot do if thunderstorms are active near the airfield?

When facing active thunderstorms near an airfield during a pre-departure briefing, it is imperative for a pilot to prioritize safety above all. The correct action in such circumstances is to refrain from taking off under hazardous conditions, which include thunderstorms. Thunderstorms pose numerous dangers, such as turbulence, wind shear, lightning, and heavy precipitation, which can significantly compromise the safety of a flight.

Not taking off under these conditions ensures that the pilot avoids entering a potentially dangerous situation where aircraft control can be drastically affected. It aligns with the principles of risk management in aviation, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and decision-making based on current weather phenomena. This approach allows pilots to wait for the weather to improve, ensuring a safer and more controlled environment for takeoff.

The other options imply a level of risk-taking that does not align with best practices for flight safety. Proceeding with caution or taking off if conditions seem safe could lead to underestimating the potential hazards present. Delaying takeoff until conditions improve, while a prudent choice, is ultimately less decisive than the guideline to avoid flying altogether in adverse weather, particularly thunderstorms.