Weather & METARs
In a METAR what does M mean on a METAR when reading temperature EX: (M01/M08)
M stands for negative
How does an increased weight affect drone performance?
Longer takeoff distance, reduced maneuverability, and shorter flight time.
On a sectional Charts, what does a solid blue line around an airspace mean?
Class B airspace.
If your battery warning light turns on whilst flying, what should you do?
Land as soon as it is safe to do so.
If the winds read 18012G20KT, what is does it stand for?
Winds coming from 180 Degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
Why is center of gravity important to an UAS.
An improper CG affects stability and control, leading to an loss of control.
On a sectional chart, what does a magenta shaded circle indicate. (Airspace and beginning AGL)
Class G airspace beginning at 700 Ft AGL.
If your control signal is lost what does the return to home feature do?
It makes the drone automatically return to a pre set home point.
Overcast at 3000FT, Broken clouds at 7000FT, FEW clouds at 10000FT, scattered clouds at 15000
Why should you check propellers for cracks or chips before flight?
Damaged propellers can reduce efficiency cause loss of control, and can even break mid flight.
How does one determine the ceiling of a class D airspace suing a sectional chart?
The number in the blue dashed box.
During an emergency what is the PIC top priority
The safety of people and property on the ground.
Define METAR KPHX 241900Z 20015G25KT 8SM SCT045, BKN100, 36/14 A2985 RMK A02 SLP110, T03610139
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, 24th at 7PM, winds coming from 200 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 25 knots, 8 statute miles of visibility, scattered clouds at 4500FT broken clouds at 10000FT, a temp of 36C/Dew 14C, altimeter 29.85 inHg, remarks automated observation system, sea level pressure of 1011.0mb, temp of 36.1C and a few of 13.9C
How could heavy winds affect a drone carrying extra weight?
Strong winds can make it harder to maintain position, drain battery and reduce stability. (loss of control)
If a sectional chart shows 122.9 near an uncontrolled airport, what does that frequency mean.
The CTAF.
Why is a visual observer important during emergency landings?
They spot hazards and maintain situational awareness so the pilot can focus on the drones movement and descent.
In a TAF what does FM152300, 16015KT P6SM SCT040 mean?
From the 15th at 11PM until the next change, winds will come from 160 at 15 knots, with a visibility greater than 6 SM, and scattered clouds at 4000FT.
It would decrease propeller efficiency and lift, overall shortening flight time.
How is a restricted area shown on a sectional chart?
A blue hashed outlined with an R and number.