FAA 107 Commercial Drone Pilot Practice Exam

What are characteristics of a moist, unstable air mass?

1. Strong winds and clear skies

2. Turbulence and showery precipitation

3. High pressure and calm conditions

4. Stable and dry conditions

The correct answer is: Turbulence and showery precipitation

A moist, unstable air mass is typically characterized by significant turbulence and the potential for showery precipitation. This is because unstable air is conducive to vertical movement; warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses, leading to cloud formation and potential precipitation. In such conditions, the air lacks stability, which contributes to increased turbulence as the air parcels move through the atmosphere. The presence of turbulence indicates that the air mass can produce varying wind speeds and directions, often leading to rough flying conditions. Furthermore, the showery precipitation that can occur in these environments is a result of the rapid ascent of moisture-rich air, which leads to the formation of cumuliform clouds and the possibility of rain showers. On the other hand, characteristics such as strong winds with clear skies, high pressure with calm conditions, and stable, dry conditions do not align with the features of a moist, unstable air mass. Strong winds and clear skies typically describe stable atmospheric conditions, while high pressure and calm conditions indicate stability and dryness. Stable air masses prevent vertical movement, leading to clear skies without precipitation. Therefore, those characteristics do not support the dynamics observed in a moist, unstable air mass.