Weather Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real UAS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Weather Assessment flashcards as text
A remote pilot is planning operations in an area with a SIGMET issued for severe turbulence. Under FAR Part 107, the pilot should:
Answer: Postpone operations until conditions improve and the SIGMET expires
SIGMETs for severe turbulence indicate hazardous conditions and operations should be postponed until the weather hazard clears.
What is the definition of 'ceiling' in aviation weather?
Answer: The height above ground of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer
Ceiling is the height AGL of the lowest cloud layer reported as broken (BKN) or overcast (OVC).
Which of these weather conditions typically accompanies a cold front passage?
Answer: Rapid wind shift, pressure rise, and clearing after squall line
Cold front passage is characterized by a rapid wind shift to northwest, pressure rise, and clearing after a narrow band of intense weather.
What is wind shear and why is it hazardous to sUAS operations?
Answer: A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance; hazardous because it can destabilize the aircraft
Wind shear is a rapid change in wind speed or direction across a short distance that can cause sudden loss of control.
Which weather phenomenon is associated with a temperature inversion and can trap pollutants and reduce visibility near the surface?
Answer: Smog and haze trapped by inversion layer
Temperature inversions cap vertical mixing, trapping smoke, haze, and pollutants near the surface and significantly reducing visibility.
A G-AIRMET for IFR conditions differs from a SIGMET in that:
Answer: G-AIRMETs cover less severe conditions not meeting SIGMET criteria and are issued for general aviation
G-AIRMETs address potentially hazardous weather (IFR, turbulence, icing) that doesn't reach SIGMET severity thresholds, targeting general aviation.
How does increasing altitude generally affect air density and sUAS performance?
Answer: Lower air density reduces rotor/propeller efficiency and may reduce maximum speed
As altitude increases, air density decreases, reducing the mass of air moved by rotors/propellers and degrading lift and performance.