What precaution should be taken regarding weather conditions before flying an sUAS?

Before conducting any flight with a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS), it is crucial to ensure that visibility is suitable for safe operation. Poor visibility can significantly increase the risk of accidents, as it makes it difficult to see other aircraft, obstacles, and the ground. The ability to maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with the sUAS is a key requirement for safe operations under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Adequate visibility helps the remote pilot assess the environment, avoid potential hazards, and ensure a safe flight.

The other options have limitations regarding safe sUAS operations. Checking weather conditions hourly may not provide an up-to-date assessment of rapidly changing weather conditions and does not address the need for immediate visibility checks at the time of flight. Flying in cloud cover can be hazardous, as it may lead to loss of visual reference and situational awareness. While flying in fair weather is generally preferred, there may be situations where flying under certain weather conditions could still be conducted safely with appropriate precautions, provided visibility remains adequate.