FAA 107 Weather Effects & Flight Planning 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What weather product provides continuous weather radar data most useful for identifying precipitation near a planned drone flight area?
- TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast)
- NEXRAD radar imagery via apps like ForeFlight or AirMap (Correct answer)
- PIREP (Pilot Report)
- NOTAM D series
Correct answer: NEXRAD radar imagery via apps like ForeFlight or AirMap
NEXRAD radar imagery, available through aviation apps, provides near-real-time precipitation data to identify rain, hail, and storm cells near planned flight areas.
Question 2: A drone pilot notices their aircraft is drifting consistently in one direction despite a hover command. What does this indicate?
- GPS signal loss only
- A persistent crosswind affecting the drone's position (Correct answer)
- Motor failure on one side
- Low battery warning
Correct answer: A persistent crosswind affecting the drone's position
Consistent drift in one direction during hover indicates a persistent crosswind that the drone's flight controller is compensating for, or occasionally failing to fully compensate for.
Question 3: What is the maximum wind speed generally considered safe for most consumer and commercial drones per manufacturer guidelines?
- 5 mph (4 knots)
- 10 mph (9 knots)
- 20-25 mph (17-22 knots) (Correct answer)
- 50 mph (43 knots)
Correct answer: 20-25 mph (17-22 knots)
Most consumer and commercial drones have rated wind resistance of approximately 20-25 mph; exceeding this risks loss of control, though pilots should always check their specific aircraft's manual.
Question 4: Which surface is most likely to produce thermal updrafts that could affect low-altitude drone operations on a hot sunny day?
- Dense forest canopy
- Dark asphalt parking lots or rooftops (Correct answer)
- Bodies of water
- Snow-covered fields
Correct answer: Dark asphalt parking lots or rooftops
Dark asphalt and rooftops absorb solar radiation rapidly and produce strong thermal updrafts as heated air rises, creating turbulence hazardous to low-altitude drone operations.
Question 5: What does 'VFR not recommended' in a standard weather briefing mean for a drone pilot operating in uncontrolled airspace?
- VFR flight is legally prohibited
- Current or forecast weather is below VFR minimums, making visual flight unsafe though not always illegal (Correct answer)
- ATC is recommending drone operations be suspended
- Night operations are not permitted
Correct answer: Current or forecast weather is below VFR minimums, making visual flight unsafe though not always illegal
'VFR not recommended' means a briefer believes weather is or will be below VFR minimums in the area, advising caution even if a pilot believes they can maintain VFR.
Question 6: A drone pilot receives a weather briefing indicating 'LLWS' (Low-Level Wind Shear) alerts for the area. What specific risk does this present?
- Gradual wind speed changes requiring minor stick inputs
- Sudden drastic changes in wind speed/direction that can cause rapid altitude loss or control loss (Correct answer)
- Elevated risk of static electricity discharge only
- Reduced GPS satellite coverage
Correct answer: Sudden drastic changes in wind speed/direction that can cause rapid altitude loss or control loss
LLWS involves sudden, drastic changes in wind speed or direction at low altitudes that can cause rapid altitude loss, attitude upsets, or complete loss of control.
Question 7: Why should drone pilots be cautious about flying immediately after a cold frontal passage?
- Cold fronts always bring fog that persists for 24 hours
- Post-frontal air often brings strong, gusty winds and turbulence as the new air mass stabilizes (Correct answer)
- Cold temperatures disable GPS systems
- ATC always issues TFRs after cold frontal passage
Correct answer: Post-frontal air often brings strong, gusty winds and turbulence as the new air mass stabilizes
After a cold front passes, the new cold air mass often brings strong, gusty winds and mechanical turbulence that can persist for hours as the atmosphere restabilizes.
FAA 107 Weather Effects & Flight Planning 5
What weather product provides continuous weather radar data most useful for identifying precipitation near a planned drone flight area?