What immediate action should be taken if you encounter severe turbulence?

When encountering severe turbulence, the most immediate and prudent action is to slow down and seek a safe place to land if necessary. Severe turbulence can significantly affect the control and structural integrity of the helicopter, and reducing speed allows for better control while flying through turbulent conditions. Slowing down minimizes the stress on the aircraft and allows the pilot to maintain better control over the helicopter during unpredictable and violent air movements.

In such situations, maintaining altitude and heading may not be advisable, as the turbulence could be exacerbated at certain altitudes or in specific areas of the flight path. Additionally, ascending to a higher altitude in an attempt to find smoother air could lead to further unnecessary risks, as the turbulence might persist or worsen. Finally, increasing speed to exit turbulence is not a recommended method, as it can actually lead to greater stress on the aircraft and increase the risk of loss of control.

Thus, the correct response focuses on safety and control by suggesting that the pilot slow down and prepare to land if the situation demands it.