Weather questions test two things: whether you understand the physics that affect a lightweight aircraft, and whether you can read a coded METAR or TAF without a translator. Both are very scoreable once you learn the format.
On the physics side, know that density altitude (high temperature, high elevation, high humidity) reduces lift and propeller efficiency, so your drone performs worse on hot days at altitude. Understand that stable air resists vertical motion and produces smooth conditions and poor visibility, while unstable air produces turbulence, good visibility, and cumulus clouds. Wind near the surface is affected by friction and terrain.
On the products side, the METAR is an hourly observation of current conditions and the TAF is a forecast for the area around an airport. Both use the same coded fields: wind in degrees-true and knots, visibility in statute miles, sky cover (FEW/SCT/BKN/OVC), temperature/dewpoint in Celsius, and altimeter setting. A small temperature/dewpoint spread signals possible fog or low visibility.
Key facts to memorize
| Concept | What to know |
|---|---|
| METAR | An hourly observation of CURRENT weather at a station. Coded: wind, visibility, weather, sky cover, temp/dewpoint, altimeter. |
| TAF | A Terminal Aerodrome FORECAST for the ~5-statute-mile area around an airport, valid 24–30 hours. |
| Wind in a METAR | Reported as direction in degrees TRUE and speed in knots, e.g. 24015G25KT = from 240° at 15 kt gusting 25 kt. |
| Sky cover codes | SKC/CLR (clear), FEW, SCT (scattered), BKN (broken), OVC (overcast); BKN/OVC define a ceiling. |
| Density altitude | High temperature, high elevation, and high humidity all raise density altitude and reduce lift and performance. |
| Temp/dewpoint spread | A small spread (close numbers) means high humidity and a higher chance of fog or low visibility. |
| Stable vs. unstable air | Stable air = smooth, poor visibility, stratus clouds. Unstable air = turbulence, good visibility, cumulus clouds. |
| Altimeter setting | Given in inches of mercury, e.g. A2992 = 29.92 inHg, the standard sea-level pressure. |
Flashcards
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Quick self-check
A short drill on this module. You get the explanation the moment you answer.
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A METAR reports temperature 18°C and dewpoint 17°C. What is the most likely consequence for your flight?
You plan to fly from a high-elevation site on a hot, humid afternoon. How does this affect performance?
Which product gives you the CURRENT observed conditions at a station rather than a forecast?
Original practice material, not the actual FAA exam questions.
Listen to this module
The Weather podcast episode: study on the go.
Test yourself
Take the full Part 107 practice exam.
Study material current as of June 2026 and sourced from the FAA (14 CFR Part 107 and FAA UAS guidance). Flashcards and quiz items are original practice material, not the actual FAA exam questions. Educational, not legal advice. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before you fly.