Meteorology Exam Questions: Judging Weather Correctly
Weather questions belong mainly to the A2 remote pilot certificate — and pilots often underestimate them.
- Check wind speed and gusts before every take-off
- Visibility determines whether VLOS operation is possible
- Cold weather significantly reduces battery capacity
- Icing and moisture can put a flight at risk
- Thermals and turbulence near obstacles
Meteorology is a compulsory topic in the supplementary theory exam for the EU remote pilot certificate A2. It tests whether you can source weather data before a flight and interpret it correctly: wind and gusts, visibility, cloud cover, temperature, humidity and precipitation. The key skill being tested is always comparing conditions against your drone manufacturer's stated limits.
Wind and gusts
Most consumer drones are rated for wind speeds of around 8 to 10 m/s. What matters isn't the average wind but the peak gust, which can reach roughly double the mean speed. Turbulence and lee-side eddies form close to the ground and behind buildings. As a rule of thumb, wind speed increases noticeably with altitude — at 120 m it will often be considerably stronger than at ground level.
Visibility, cloud and precipitation
Open-category operations require constant visual contact with the drone. Fog, haze, rain or low cloud all rule this out. Rain and high humidity are also a technical risk, since most consumer drones aren't waterproof. Near freezing temperatures combined with visible moisture create a real risk of icing on propellers and sensors.
Temperature and battery performance
Lithium-polymer batteries lose a significant share of their usable capacity in cold weather; below 10°C, flight time can drop by around a third. Keep batteries pre-warmed before flight and build in a generous safety margin. In extreme heat and at high altitude, air density drops, reducing lift and forcing the motors to work harder.
Weather sources before you fly
Use your national meteorological service, aviation-specific weather services, or dedicated drone weather apps. Exams often test whether you know that a general-purpose weather app isn't enough, since it typically won't show gust strength, wind direction at altitude, or ground visibility. The final decision on whether to fly always rests with the remote pilot on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what wind speed should I stop flying?
As soon as gusts approach your drone manufacturer's stated limit — typically around 8 to 10 m/s for common consumer drones.
Why is cold weather a problem?
LiPo batteries deliver less usable capacity in cold conditions, flight time drops noticeably, and voltage can suddenly sag under load.
Does meteorology also appear in the A1/A3 exam?
Only in passing. It's tested in depth in the supplementary theory exam for the A2 remote pilot certificate.
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