SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-leeward-side-turbulence

When wind blows over a ridge or big building, where should you expect turbulent downdrafts?

On the downwind (leeward) side, where air tumbles down the far side.

  1. On the upwind (windward) side
  2. Only high above the obstacle
  3. On the downwind (leeward) side ✔

Why: Wind flows smoothly up the windward side, but spills down the leeward side in turbulent, sinking air that can push an aircraft toward the ground or the slope.

Huh, didn't know that: The stronger the wind and the bigger the obstacle, the worse the turbulence behind it.

The dad joke
Why don't mountains get cold? They wear snowcaps.
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Sources

  1. FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22), Ch. 3b https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
  2. AC 107-2A, Appendix B https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_107-2A.pdf

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