FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsHard
While conducting an aerial survey, a remote pilot notices a rapidly developing cumulonimbus cloud several miles away with a visible rain shaft reaching the ground, though the storm has not yet arrived overhead. What hazard should the pilot be most concerned about even before the storm cell arrives?
- AReduced density altitude improving aircraft performance
- BRadio frequency interference caused only by distant lightning
- CIncreased magnetic compass deviation near the storm
- DA microburst producing sudden, strong, and shifting winds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A microburst producing sudden, strong, and shifting winds
A visible rain shaft (virga or precipitation reaching the ground) beneath a building cumulonimbus cloud is a classic sign of a microburst, which can produce sudden, powerful outflow winds extending well beyond the storm cell itself, posing a serious hazard to small, lightweight sUAS even before the storm arrives overhead.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Storms are associated with pressure and temperature changes but not specifically improved performance; this distractor misapplies density altitude.
- B. RF interference is not the primary hazard; wind shear/microburst is a much greater immediate safety concern.
- C. Magnetic compass deviation is unrelated to thunderstorm activity.
Microburst Hazard
A microburst is a localized column of sinking air from a thunderstorm that spreads out at the surface, creating sudden and severe wind shear that can extend miles from the storm cell.
- Often preceded by a visible rain shaft or virga
- Outflow winds can shift direction and speed abruptly
- Extremely hazardous to small, lightweight aircraft including sUAS
Memory trick: 'Rain shaft now, wind burst soon' — respect the outflow.