Weather effects on small unmanned aircraft operations and reading aviation weather reports tested on the Part 107 exam.
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- What is a headwind?
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Wind blowing opposite to the direction of aircraft movement, which increases ground speed resistance and lengthens takeoff and landing distances.- What is a crosswind?
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Wind blowing perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the aircraft's direction of travel, which requires correction through crabbing or slipping.- What is density altitude?
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The altitude at which the actual air density equals the standard atmosphere, calculated from pressure altitude and temperature; thin air reduces aircraft performance.- How does high density altitude affect a small unmanned aircraft?
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It reduces aerodynamic lift and engine power, requiring longer distances for takeoff and climb, and reducing maximum altitude capability.- What is a METAR?
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A routine weather report issued by airports at scheduled times, containing current conditions like wind, visibility, temperature, and barometric pressure.- What does the wind group in a METAR indicate?
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Wind direction (in tens of degrees true), wind speed in knots, and wind gust speed, reported as a three or four digit group (e.g., 18015G25 = 180 degrees, 15 knots, gusts 25 knots).- What is a TAF?
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A Terminal Aerodrome Forecast issued for airports, predicting weather conditions for the next 24 to 30 hours, formatted similarly to a METAR.- What visibility range defines VFR (Visual Flight Rules) weather?
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At least 3 statute miles flight visibility and 1000 feet above ground level ceiling (or special VFR rules apply).- What does the abbreviation 'SKC' in a METAR mean?
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Sky Clear, indicating there are no clouds below 12,000 feet above ground level.- What is a ceiling in aviation weather?
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The height above ground level of the lowest layer of clouds that is broken or overcast, not scattered.- What is wind shear?
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A sudden change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can create hazardous turbulence and loss of lift.- What is a microburst?
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A small-scale downdraft of cold air from a thunderstorm that spreads outward when it hits the ground, creating dangerous wind shear near the surface.- What is the relationship between temperature and dew point in determining fog risk?
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When the temperature and dew point are close together (within 2-3 degrees Fahrenheit), fog is likely to form as moisture condenses.- What is advection fog?
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Fog formed when warm, moist air moves over cooler water or land, causing moisture to condense near the surface.- What is a cold front?
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The leading edge of a cold air mass moving into a region of warmer air, often bringing thunderstorms, temperature drop, and wind shift.
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