Drone exam · Navigation, charts, and mission data

A drone holds 90 metres above its launch point while flying toward a hill that rises 50 metres. What has happened to height above the ground?

Answer

It has decreased by roughly the terrain rise, subject to the actual reference and route. The pilot must track terrain rather than assuming relative altitude equals ground clearance.

Explanation

Relative altitude is tied to the launch reference unless the aircraft or planning system explicitly uses terrain following.