Effects of Weather on sUAS Performance Flashcards
6 cards from real FAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Effects of Weather on sUAS Performance flashcards as text
What effect does high density altitude have on the performance of a small unmanned aircraft?
Answer: Performance is decreased due to reduced propeller efficiency.
High density altitude means the air is less dense. This reduces propeller efficiency, decreases lift, and diminishes engine power output, all of which lead to reduced overall performance.
Which combination of conditions would lead to the highest density altitude?
Answer: High altitude, high temperature, and high humidity.
Density altitude increases with higher elevation, higher temperatures, and higher humidity. Therefore, a hot, humid day at a high-elevation airport will produce the highest density altitude and the worst aircraft performance.
What are the characteristics of a stable air mass?
Answer: Smooth air, poor visibility, and stratiform clouds.
In a stable air mass, vertical air movement is resisted. This results in smooth air, poor visibility due to trapped haze and pollutants, and stratiform clouds with steady, continuous precipitation.
A temperature inversion can create a hazard for sUAS operations primarily because it can lead to:
Answer: Significant wind shear and poor visibility.
A temperature inversion creates a very stable layer of air that can trap smoke, dust, and other pollutants, leading to very poor visibility. It can also be a source of significant low-level wind shear.
When flying an sUAS, structural icing is most likely to form when:
Answer: Flying through visible moisture at temperatures at or below freezing.
For structural ice to form, two conditions must be met: the aircraft must be flying through visible moisture (like clouds or freezing rain), and the temperature of the aircraft surface must be at or below freezing (0°C).
What is the primary danger associated with thunderstorms for an sUAS?
Answer: Extreme turbulence and wind shear.
While all listed options are hazards, the most significant and immediate danger from thunderstorms is the extreme turbulence and wind shear associated with updrafts, downdrafts (microbursts), and gust fronts. These can easily cause a loss of control.