GVC Meteorology for Commercial UAS

Question 1

What is the primary weather hazard that limits most small UAS operations?

Accepted Answer

High wind speeds exceeding the UAS performance envelope

Answer

Fog

Answer

High temperatures

Answer

Low humidity

Question 2

What does a METAR report provide to a UAS remote pilot?

Accepted Answer

A routine aeronautical weather observation at a specific aerodrome at a specific time

Answer

A 7-day weather forecast for the region

Answer

Satellite imagery of cloud formations

Answer

Real-time wind data from the operating site

Question 3

How does air temperature affect UAS battery performance?

Accepted Answer

Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity and can cause voltage drops, reducing flight time

Answer

Higher temperatures always improve battery life

Answer

Temperature has no effect on modern lithium polymer batteries

Answer

Only temperatures above 40°C affect batteries

Question 4

What is 'wind shear' and why is it hazardous to UAS operations?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A gradual change in wind speed over 24 hours

Answer

The effect of wind on camera stabilisation only

Answer

A type of wind that only occurs at night

Question 5

What weather information does a TAF provide, and how does it differ from a METAR?

Accepted Answer

A TAF is an aerodrome weather forecast valid for a future period; a METAR is an observation of current conditions

Answer

A TAF is a historical weather log; a METAR is a forecast

Answer

A TAF covers a 30-day period; a METAR covers 24 hours

Answer

There is no difference; they are the same report

Question 6

How does precipitation (rain) affect UAS operations?

Accepted Answer

Rain can damage electronics, reduce visibility, affect sensors, and degrade GNSS accuracy

Answer

Rain has no effect on modern commercial drones

Answer

Rain only affects operations above 100 metres

Answer

Rain improves the drone's cooling system and extends flight time