Which of the following is not a stage of a thunderstorm?

The correct answer is static, as it is not a recognized stage of a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms typically develop in three main stages: the cumulus stage, during which warm, moist air rises and cools, forming cumulus clouds; the mature stage, characterized by the presence of towering clouds, heavy precipitation, thunder, and lightning; and the dissipating stage, where the storm weakens and precipitation decreases as the storm's energy source is exhausted. These stages reflect the evolution of a thunderstorm from its formation to its cessation.

Static, on the other hand, does not relate to the lifecycle or characteristics of thunderstorm development. Instead, it may refer to the build-up of electrical charge in the atmosphere, which can contribute to thunderstorms but is not a phase in their formation or life cycle. Understanding the stages of a thunderstorm is crucial for pilots and those involved in aviation safety, as each phase presents different hazards and operational considerations.