Drone exam · Meteorology

A drone will inspect a mast just below the lee side of a ridge in strong wind. Why should the pilot expect conditions to differ from the open valley?

Answer

Air flowing over the ridge can separate and form turbulent eddies or rotor on the lee side. The mission needs larger margins or a different time or position.

Explanation

Ridges can create strong vertical and horizontal changes in airflow. The average valley wind does not describe those local effects.