Drone Pilot Practice Exam

Which of the following describes characteristics of stable air?

1. Strong turbulence and clearing skies

2. Poor visibility and steady precipitation

3. Rapid temperature changes and high winds

4. Warm temperatures and clear conditions

The correct answer is: Poor visibility and steady precipitation

Stable air is a meteorological condition characterized by a lack of vertical movement, leading to certain predictable weather patterns. Option B highlights poor visibility and steady precipitation, which are common in stable air scenarios. In stable conditions, the air does not rise readily, resulting in clouds that tend to remain at a uniform level, often leading to consistent and prolonged precipitation. This results in poor visibility because the moisture in the air from steady rains can reduce clarity. In stable air, you typically find steady rather than erratic weather patterns, which means that conditions are unlikely to change quickly. This contrasts sharply with characteristics like strong turbulence and clearing skies, rapid temperature changes combined with high winds, or warm temperatures with clear conditions, which are indicators of unstable air. Understanding these characteristics helps pilots anticipate weather conditions during flight, ensuring better planning and safety in drone operations.