UA.III.B.K1: Weather factors and their effects on performance.

ACS Area III — Weather Task B: Effects of Weather on Performance References: ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Types of Aviation Weather Information

Understanding and utilizing reliable aviation weather information is critical to safe and effective small unmanned aircraft systemSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. (sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.) operations. Weather data is categorized into observations, analysis, advisories, forecasts, and aviation weather tools. Observations are collected at the surface and aloft by automated sensors or trained weather observers and serve as the foundation for all subsequent weather products. These include surface weather reports such as METARsMeteorological Aerodrome ReportCloseA current airport weather report format tested on the UAG exam., as well as data gathered by systems like Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOSAutomated Weather Observing SystemCloseAutomated airport weather reporting equipment that broadcasts local conditions.) and Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOSAutomated Surface Observing SystemCloseAutomated airport weather equipment that reports current surface conditions.). Analysis involves interpreting observational data to create representations of atmospheric conditions, and advisories provide warnings or alerts regarding potential hazards that may require pilots to assess risk or modify plans according to the aircraft’s limitations^[1]. Forecasts offer predictions of future weather phenomena, utilizing comprehensive data and meteorological models^[1]. Multiple web-based weather tools aggregate information, enabling sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. operators to access integrated, up-to-date weather displays for improved decision-making^[1].

Sources of Weather Data and Regulatory Requirements

The regulatory requirement under 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. § 91.103 obligates each pilot-in-command, including remote pilots, to be familiar with all available information regarding the flight—this includes obtaining and understanding weather reports and forecasts pertinent to the intended operation. Weather data is produced not only by the National Weather Service (NWSNational Weather ServiceCloseNOAA agency that produces official U.S. weather observations, forecasts, and warnings.) but also by commercial entities. However, pilots should be cautious with products not directly supported or certified by the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes., NWSNational Weather ServiceCloseNOAA agency that produces official U.S. weather observations, forecasts, and warnings., or their contractors, as their accuracy and relevance can vary. For critical operations, official sources and FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-compliant weather briefing tools should be prioritized to avoid misinterpretation or error in preflight assessments^[4][7].

Practical Applications for sUAS Pilots

In the context of performance, weather considerations impact nearly every aspect of sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. flight:

• Surface Observations: METARsMeteorological Aerodrome ReportCloseA current airport weather report format tested on the UAG exam. provide real-time weather details at specific airports, including wind, visibility, temperature, and weather phenomena. Knowing the current local conditions helps assess takeoff, in-flight, and landing safety, and determine if operations can stay within regulatory minima^[2].
• Upper-Air, Radar, and Satellite Data: These observations give pilots a comprehensive picture by revealing trends and potential hazards, such as approaching weather systems or rapidly changing conditions^[2].
• Weather Advisories: SIGMETsSignificant Meteorological InformationCloseA weather advisory for significant hazards such as severe turbulence, severe icing, or thunderstorms. and AIRMETsAirmen's Meteorological InformationCloseA weather advisory for conditions such as turbulence, icing, mountain obscuration, or widespread low visibility. identify significant weather events like thunderstorms, turbulence, and icing—all of which can severely affect sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. performance and safety^[3][6].
• Forecasts: Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFTerminal Aerodrome ForecastCloseAirport forecast format used to reason about future weather conditions.) provide forecasts over intervals up to 30 hours, facilitating projection of future conditions for both preflight and inflight planning^[6].

Preflight weather self-briefing using a combination of these products increases situational awareness. Telephone access to airport weather (AWOS/ASOSAutomated Weather Observing System / Automated Surface Observing SystemCloseAutomated airport systems that provide current local weather observations.) or FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-approved flight service (such as 1800wxbrief.com) ensures pilots receive regulatory-compliant, current weather information^[8].

Practical Effects of Weather on sUAS Performance

For remote pilots, understanding the effects of wind, precipitation, temperature, and visibility is essential:

• Wind: Strong or gusty winds increase the risk of loss of control, battery drain, and difficulty maintaining hover or stable flight.
• Precipitation: Rain and snow can obscure sensors, degrade electronic components, and significantly reduce visibility, impacting both pilot situational awareness and sensor effectiveness.
• Temperature: Extreme temperatures affect battery efficiency and could reduce maximum flight time or cause unexpected power loss.
• Visibility and Cloud Cover: Reduced visibility from fog, mist, or precipitation increases the risk of collision or flight into restricted airspace, especially without visual line of sight.

A thorough understanding of collected weather data and how it affects the sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. is non-negotiable. Regulatory compliance, flight safety, and optimal performance all depend on the pilot’s ability to interpret and act on the available weather information.