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Weather that produces tornadoes

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 18 of 25 on Weather / Effects on Performance. ACS element UA.III.B.K1f · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhich weather phenomenon does FAA guidance identify as a producer of tornadoes?

  1. AStanding lenticular altocumulus clouds
  2. BThunderstorms
  3. CSurface-based temperature inversions
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Thunderstorms

  • A — incorrect Lenticular clouds mark mountain-wave turbulence; they are not described as producing tornadoes.
  • B — correct The study guide states that thunderstorms can produce large hailstones, damaging lightning, tornadoes and large quantities of water.
  • C — incorrect Inversions are shallow layers of smooth, stable air near the ground, the opposite of the convective conditions that spawn tornadoes.

BACKGROUND

The cumulonimbus cloud is perhaps the most dangerous cloud type to pilots. Because rising air currents build cumulonimbus clouds, they are extremely turbulent, and thunderstorms can produce large hailstones, damaging lightning, tornadoes and large quantities of water, all of which are hazardous to an aircraft. Tornadoes are also one of the criteria for a Convective SIGMET, an in-flight weather advisory issued for severe thunderstorms. A remote pilot should treat any thunderstorm as a potential source of tornadoes and keep well clear.

STUDY TIP

File tornadoes under thunderstorm hazards along with hail, lightning and heavy rain, and remember that Convective SIGMETs are issued when they occur.

KEY POINTS

  • Thunderstorms (cumulonimbus clouds) can produce tornadoes.
  • Other thunderstorm hazards: large hail, damaging lightning, heavy rain.
  • Tornadoes are a Convective SIGMET criterion.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch3b "Clouds"
  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch3a "Convective Significant Meteorological Information (WST)"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.