FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)WeatherMedium
A pilot observes smooth flight conditions, hazy visibility from trapped smoke and dust, layered stratus clouds, and steady light rain. These are all indicators of what type of air mass?
- ASuperadiabatic air
- BStable air
- CUnstable air
- DConvective air
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Stable air
Stable air resists vertical motion, which suppresses convective mixing. This produces smooth flight, trapped haze/smoke near the surface (poor visibility), layered stratiform clouds, and steady, continuous precipitation — all described in the scenario.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Superadiabatic refers to an extreme unstable lapse rate, not the calm conditions described.
- C. Unstable air produces cumuliform clouds, turbulence, and showery precipitation — the opposite of what's described.
- D. 'Convective air' generally implies rising thermals and cumulus development, inconsistent with the smooth, layered conditions.
Atmospheric Stability
Stability describes the atmosphere's resistance to vertical air movement; stable air suppresses convection while unstable air promotes it.
- Stable air: stratiform clouds, smooth air, steady precipitation, poor visibility
- Unstable air: cumuliform clouds, turbulence, showery precipitation, good visibility
- Stability affects fog, turbulence, and cloud development
Memory trick: 'Stable = Smooth and Steady' — smooth flight, steady rain, stratus skies.