FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

Which danger is associated with high winds when flying a UAS?

1. Increased battery consumption

2. Limited visibility

3. Safety from obstructions

4. Higher altitude restrictions

The correct answer is: Increased battery consumption

High winds present a significant challenge when operating a UAS, and increased battery consumption is an important concern in this context. When a drone encounters strong winds, the pilot may need to exert more power to maintain stable flight and control the aircraft effectively. This often leads to a greater demand on the battery, as the drone works harder to counteract the wind's force, which can significantly reduce the flight time. While limited visibility can also be an issue in certain scenarios, it is not directly a consequence of high winds themselves. Instead, high winds can lead to turbulent conditions that might make it challenging to see the drone, but this is not the primary danger associated with high winds. Safety from obstructions is also not related to high winds; rather, it highlights the importance of maintaining awareness of the environment and potential hazards regardless of wind conditions. Furthermore, higher altitude restrictions typically pertain to regulatory limits rather than being a danger uniquely linked to high wind conditions. In summary, increased battery consumption due to the need for greater power output in windy conditions is a critical danger that pilots must consider when flying UAS in such environments.