Assuming it was a training flight, I can't see much benefit going out with stacks of gas and just flying around the build ups
Wouldn't it of been a much better learning process to assume it was a charter with payload restrictions limiting fuel and going out with the fuel required only
That would of presented a far more challenging situation forcing real decisions
The flying school would still get some revenue and the student would of definitely learnt something
I have a different take on it. Exposure to some real weather is ALWAYS beneficial - deliberately increasing the risk artificially by limiting your fuel in weather like that, is not the way I'd do it! But, each to their own. All part of life's rich tapestry...
Joe Lighty
"Nobody's ever died from pressing..."