StudyWhat weather phenomenon is most likely to cause severe turbulence for small UAS?
- ❌A:Light rain showers
- ✅B:Microbursts and wind shear
- ❌C:High altitude cirrus clouds
Explanations
- A: While light rain showers can cause some disturbances, they are not typically severe enough to cause significant turbulence for small UAS. Operating in light rain might affect the drone's performance and lifespan but does not pose a major safety risk. However, it's crucial to understand that operating in any form of precipitation can lead to potential damage to the drone and its components, affecting the business's operational efficiency and costs.
- B: Correct. Microbursts and wind shear are intense, localized weather phenomena that can cause severe turbulence, posing significant safety risks. Microbursts create dangerous downdrafts and wind shear conditions that can destabilize a drone, potentially leading to crashes and damage. From a business perspective, understanding and avoiding these weather conditions is essential to prevent costly equipment loss, potential liability issues, and disruption of services to clients.
- C: High altitude cirrus clouds typically exist above the maximum legal altitude for UAS operations and therefore do not directly affect drone flights. However, they can indicate approaching weather changes that could affect operations. While it's important to understand all weather phenomena for comprehensive planning, cirrus clouds are not a direct cause of turbulence for small UAS.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding weather phenomena and their impact on UAS operations is crucial for maintaining safety, preventing equipment damage, and ensuring reliable service to clients. Severe turbulence caused by microbursts and wind shear can lead to costly accidents and service disruptions.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Microbursts and wind shear can cause severe turbulence, potentially leading to loss of control and crashes. Prioritizing safety by understanding and avoiding these weather conditions can prevent accidents, protect your equipment, and reduce liability risks.
Consider This Scenario
A commercial drone operator is hired to conduct a real estate aerial photography session. The weather forecast indicates a potential for microbursts in the area. Despite the client's urgency, the operator decides to postpone the operation until the weather improves. This decision prevents a potential accident, protects the drone equipment, and maintains the operator's reputation for safety and professionalism.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that remote pilots understand the weather phenomena that can cause severe turbulence for small UAS. This knowledge is essential for making informed decisions about when and where to fly to maintain safety and comply with regulations.
Business Success Strategy
Stay updated with weather forecasts and understand how different weather conditions can affect your drone operations. Develop a weather risk management strategy and communicate it effectively to your clients to manage their expectations and maintain your reputation for safety and professionalism.
Memory Aid
Remember the term "Micro-Wind" as a combination of "Microbursts" and "Wind shear" to recall the weather phenomena that can cause severe turbulence for small UAS.
Enhanced References
FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Chapter 7-1-6, "Microbursts"; FAA Advisory Circular AC 00-45H, "Aviation Weather Services"
Related Concepts
- Convective weather hazards
- Downdrafts and updrafts
- Weather recognition and avoidance
ACS Code: UA.III.B.K1e
Difficulty: intermediate