A2 CofC Meteorology for Drone Pilots

Question 1

What wind speed measurement unit is most commonly used in UK aviation weather reports relevant to drone pilots?

Accepted Answer

Knots (kt)

Answer

Miles per hour (mph)

Answer

Metres per second (m/s)

Answer

Beaufort scale

Question 2

What is a METAR and how is it useful for drone pilots?

Accepted Answer

A routine aviation weather report giving current conditions at an aerodrome including wind, visibility, cloud, and temperature

Answer

A forecast of weather conditions for the next 24 hours

Answer

A document detailing airspace restrictions due to weather

Answer

A satellite image service for weather planning

Question 3

Which weather phenomenon poses the greatest risk to drone batteries and electronic components?

Accepted Answer

Very low temperatures (below 0°C)

Answer

High humidity alone

Answer

Light drizzle

Answer

Overcast cloud cover

Question 4

What is the significance of a temperature inversion for drone pilots?

Accepted Answer

It can cause reduced visibility and fog near the ground while conditions are clear at altitude

Answer

It always improves flying conditions by stabilising the air

Answer

It creates dangerous turbulence at all altitudes

Answer

It has no relevance to drone operations below 120 m

Question 5

What does 'wind shear' mean and why does it matter for drone pilots?

Accepted Answer

A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can cause loss of control

Answer

A sustained strong wind that limits flight duration

Answer

A measurement of wind turbulence intensity

Answer

A type of gust reported in METARs

Question 6

What is the minimum visibility recommended for visual line of sight (VLOS) drone operations in UK guidance?

Accepted Answer

The pilot must be able to see the drone at all times — typically requiring several hundred metres of clear visibility

Answer

5 km — the same as VFR meteorological minima for manned aviation

Answer

The drone's camera feed can substitute for direct visual contact in poor visibility

Answer

100 m visibility is sufficient for all open category operations