RPC Weather & Micrometeorology for Drone Operations 2

Question 1

What weather phenomenon is most likely to cause a drone to experience a sudden, uncommanded descent during flight?

Accepted Answer

Microburst downdraft

Answer

Radiation fog

Answer

Ground effect

Answer

Temperature inversion

Question 2

On a clear night with calm winds, which type of fog is most likely to develop in low-lying areas and river valleys by early morning?

Accepted Answer

Radiation fog

Answer

Steam fog

Answer

Advection fog

Answer

Frontal fog

Question 3

What is the primary reason surface winds are typically lighter and more variable at sunrise compared to mid-afternoon?

Accepted Answer

Less convective mixing to bring down faster upper-level winds

Answer

Higher pressure gradients at night

Answer

Increased Coriolis effect in morning hours

Answer

Frontal boundaries are closer to the surface at dawn

Question 4

A drone remote pilot notices cumulus clouds building rapidly in the late afternoon. This development most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Increasing convective activity and possible thunderstorm development

Answer

Stable air with improving visibility

Answer

A weakening temperature inversion

Answer

Improving conditions for sUAS operations

Question 5

Which wind shear scenario poses the greatest hazard to a small drone operating at 200 feet AGL?

Accepted Answer

Abrupt change of 25 knots within 200 feet of altitude

Answer

Gradual increase of 5 knots per 1,000 feet

Answer

Steady 15-knot headwind at cruise altitude

Answer

10-knot crosswind at a constant altitude

Question 6

Density altitude is defined as pressure altitude corrected for:

Accepted Answer

Non-standard temperature

Answer

Wind speed and direction

Answer

Relative humidity only

Answer

Magnetic variation

Question 7

A remote pilot planning a flight in a desert location on a hot summer afternoon should expect which primary performance impact on the drone?

Accepted Answer

Reduced lift and longer battery drain due to high density altitude

Answer

Increased lift due to denser air

Answer

More responsive controls due to thinner air

Answer

Stronger GPS signal due to clear skies