In flight safety, a remote pilot should fly as what as possible from thermal plumes?

• A. Crosswind
• B. Directly overhead
• C. Downwind
• D. Upwind

Answer: (D)

When thermals form, air moves unpredictably with rising columns and gusts. The turbulent effect is most problematic on the side where the plume drifts with the wind, so staying on the windward (upwind) side keeps you out of the strongest turbulent region and away from where the plume is moving. Flying upwind gives you better visibility of the plume’s location, more time to react to any gusts, and keeps your aircraft in relatively cleaner air rather than being carried toward the rising air by the wind. In short, this position minimizes the risk of sudden altitude changes or drift caused by the thermal.