A pilot comes out of the cloud close to a helicopter, which demonstrates the MACHO reaction by:

The MACHO reaction, which stands for "Macho attitude, Control loss, Airmanship failure," describes a risky behavior often exhibited by some pilots when confronted with an unexpected situation. In this context, a pilot who embodies the MACHO reaction may attempt to demonstrate bravado or show off, which can lead to perilous decision-making.

Choosing to fly closer to the helicopter as a means to "show off" exemplifies this MACHO behavior, as it indicates a lack of appreciation for the potential dangers and risks involved in such an action. The reaction stems from overconfidence in one's flying skills and a desire to impress or assert dominance in the airspace, rather than prioritizing safety and prudent decision-making.

In contrast, other responses reflect more responsible piloting behaviors, such as quickly turning away to avoid collision or taking immediate evasive action, which align with good airmanship and the instinct to ensure safety in an emergency. Thus, option C aligns directly with the definition of the MACHO reaction, highlighting a critical insight into dangerous attitudes that can compromise aviation safety.