FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot is conducting a sUAS inspection flight near a large body of water. The weather forecast indicates clear skies and light winds. What unique atmospheric condition is most likely to affect sUAS operations over the water, especially during the day?
- AMountain wave turbulence.
- BSea breeze.
- CKatabatic winds.
- DDust devils.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Sea breeze.
During the day, land heats up faster than water. This causes the air over land to rise, creating lower pressure. Cooler, denser air over the water then flows inland to replace the rising air, creating a 'sea breeze'. This localized wind can be significant and affect sUAS operations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mountain wave turbulence occurs over mountainous terrain, not typically over large bodies of water.
- C. Katabatic winds are downslope winds associated with mountains and cooling, not typical over water during the day.
- D. Dust devils are small, localized updrafts that typically form over hot, dry land, not over water.
Sea Breeze
A localized wind system common near large bodies of water where cool air from the water flows inland to replace warmer, rising air over the land.
- Caused by differential heating rates of land and water.
- Occurs during the day.
- Can create significant localized winds affecting sUAS.
Memory trick: Water Winds Warm Land