FAA 107 Weather Effects & Flight Planning 4

Question 1

A drone pilot is flying near a large body of water on a sunny afternoon. What local wind effect should they anticipate?

Accepted Answer

A sea breeze flowing from water toward land

Answer

On sunny afternoons, land heats faster than water, causing rising air over land that draws in a sea breeze (cool air flowing from water to land).

Question 2

What is 'mountain wave turbulence' and how far downwind can it affect drone operations?

Accepted Answer

Turbulence created by wind flowing over mountains, potentially extending 100+ miles downwind

Answer

Mountain wave turbulence is created when wind flows over ridges and can extend hundreds of miles downwind, affecting drone operations far from any mountains.

Question 3

Which cloud type is most associated with thunderstorm activity and should cause a drone pilot to land immediately?

Accepted Answer

Cumulonimbus

Answer

Cumulonimbus clouds are the thunderstorm cloud type and produce lightning, severe turbulence, hail, and heavy rain — all immediately dangerous to drone operations.

Question 4

What effect does high altitude (density altitude) have on drone performance?

Accepted Answer

Reduced air density decreases rotor efficiency and may shorten flight time

Answer

At high density altitudes, thinner air reduces rotor efficiency, requiring motors to work harder and consuming more battery power to maintain lift.

Question 5

A pilot observes towering cumulus clouds forming nearby during a flight. What action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Land immediately as towering cumulus indicate potential thunderstorm development

Answer

Towering cumulus clouds indicate rapidly developing convective activity that can quickly become thunderstorms with lightning and severe turbulence, requiring immediate landing.

FAA Practice Test

FAA Practice Test

FAA 107 Weather Effects & Flight Planning 4