What should a UAS pilot do if they encounter unexpected weather conditions during a flight?

When a UAS pilot encounters unexpected weather conditions, the safest and most responsible action is to abort the mission and land the aircraft safely. This ensures that the pilot prioritizes both the safety of the UAS and any persons or property below. Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, fog, or thunderstorms, can significantly impact the controllability and performance of the drone, leading to potential problems such as loss of control or reduced visibility.

By choosing to land the aircraft, the pilot minimizes risks and avoids escalating the situation. Flying in conditions that are not suitable can compromise the integrity of the flight operation, increase the likelihood of accidents, and lead to damage or loss of the UAS.

While contacting air traffic control or ascending to a higher altitude might seem reasonable options, they do not address the immediate concern of safety in poor weather. Continuing with the mission as planned disregards the very critical factor of situational awareness and the ever-changing nature of weather conditions, which can lead to hazardous situations.