A2 CofC Meteorology for UAS Operations

Question 1

What is the maximum wind speed generally considered safe for most consumer drones weighing under 4 kg?

Accepted Answer

40 km/h (25 mph)

Answer

60 km/h (37 mph)

Answer

20 km/h (12 mph)

Answer

80 km/h (50 mph)

Question 2

How do wind gusts affect drone flight safety compared to steady winds of the same average speed?

Accepted Answer

Gusts can cause sudden attitude changes, loss of control, and significantly higher power consumption

Answer

Gusts have no additional effect beyond the average wind speed

Answer

Gusts only affect the drone during take-off and landing

Answer

Gusts improve drone stability by varying air pressure

Question 3

What weather phenomenon creates the greatest risk of sudden drone loss due to electrical failure?

Accepted Answer

Lightning and thunderstorms

Answer

Heavy rain

Answer

Snow

Answer

High humidity

Question 4

Why is temperature an important consideration for drone operations in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Cold temperatures reduce LiPo battery performance and capacity, while heat can cause overheating of motors and electronics

Answer

Cold temperatures have no effect on modern drone batteries

Answer

Temperature only matters for flights above 100 metres

Answer

Drones can only fly safely between 15°C and 25°C

Question 5

What is the significance of the dew point for drone operations?

Accepted Answer

When air temperature approaches the dew point, fog or low cloud may form, reducing visibility below VLOS requirements

Answer

It indicates the maximum altitude for safe flight

Answer

It determines the wind direction

Answer

It predicts the likelihood of lightning

Question 6

How does the Beaufort Scale help drone pilots assess wind conditions?

Accepted Answer

It provides a standardised scale relating wind speed to observable conditions on land or sea, helping pilots estimate wind strength without instruments

Answer

It measures air pressure for altitude calibration

Answer

It predicts wind direction changes

Answer

It measures wind chill factor for battery performance