UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Aviation Weather Sources Questions and Answers

Question 1

A remote pilot is planning a flight for later in the day. Which weather product should be consulted to get an understanding of the forecast conditions expected at the specific destination airport around the planned flight time?

Accepted Answer

A TAF, because it provides a forecast of expected weather conditions for a 5-statute mile radius around an airport.

Answer

A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is the correct source for future planning at a specific airport. While a METAR provides current conditions, a TAF forecasts weather for a 24 to 30-hour period within a 5-statute mile radius of an airport, making it ideal for planning flights later in the day.

Question 2

A remote pilot is reviewing the following METAR: KLAX 182154Z 25015G25KT 10SM SCT040 23/11 A2992. What information can be derived from this report for a planned sUAS operation?

Accepted Answer

The wind is from 250 degrees true at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots, with scattered clouds at 4,000 feet AGL.

Answer

This METAR indicates winds from 250 degrees (true north) at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots (25015G25KT), visibility of 10 statute miles (10SM), and scattered clouds at 4,000 feet Above Ground Level (SCT040). The temperature is 23°C and the dew point is 11°C (23/11), with an altimeter setting of 29.92 inHg (A2992). It is important to remember that cloud heights in METARs are given in feet AGL.

Question 3

Which of the following automated weather systems is generally more sophisticated, providing information on the type and intensity of precipitation, and is a joint effort by the NWS, FAA, and DOD?

Accepted Answer

ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System)

Answer

The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) is a more advanced system than the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS). ASOS is a joint program of the National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Defense (DOD). It provides more detailed information, including the type and intensity of precipitation, which AWOS systems may not always report.

Question 4

A remote pilot needs a broad overview of weather patterns, including frontal systems and pressure centers, for a cross-country sUAS operation. Which of the following would be the most appropriate resource?

Accepted Answer

A Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA)

Answer

The Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) provides a comprehensive, interactive graphical display of weather observations and forecasts across the continental U.S. It is ideal for understanding the big picture, including the location of fronts, pressure systems, and widespread weather phenomena, which is crucial for planning longer flights.

Question 5

While conducting pre-flight planning, you hear on the local airport's automated broadcast that the visibility is 2 statute miles and the cloud ceiling is 700 feet. What operational limitation does this impose on an sUAS flight under Part 107?

Accepted Answer

The flight is prohibited due to visibility being less than the required 3 statute miles.

Answer

Part 107 requires a minimum flight visibility of 3 statute miles from the control station. Since the reported visibility is only 2 statute miles, the flight cannot legally be conducted without a waiver. Additionally, the drone must remain 500 feet below clouds; with a 700-foot ceiling, the maximum altitude would be 200 feet AGL, but the visibility requirement makes the flight illegal regardless.

UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Practice Test

UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Practice Test

UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Aviation Weather Sources Questions and Answers