Drone exam · Meteorology

A pilot plans to hover just behind a warehouse on a windy day because the wall seems to provide shelter. What could make that position worse rather than better?

Answer

The downwind side can contain eddies, rotors, and rapidly changing flow. Move to a location with cleaner airflow or increase separation from the obstacle.

Explanation

A solid obstacle disrupts the wind instead of simply stopping it. The lee side can be much less predictable than the upwind side.