What is one potential risk of flying a UAS at an altitude that is too low?

Flying a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) at a low altitude presents the risk of potential collisions with obstacles. As UAS operations occur in environments that may contain various structures, trees, power lines, and other aircraft, flying at lower altitudes increases the likelihood of encountering these obstacles. Maintaining an appropriate altitude is crucial for ensuring a safe distance from such hazards, as well as affording the operator better visibility and reaction time in case of unexpected encounters.

While the other choices reference possible advantages of flying at low altitude, they aren't aligned with the fundamental safety considerations. For instance, increased battery efficiency is not typically associated with lower altitudes; rather, it may be affected more by operational conditions, speed, and duration of the flight. Similarly, optimal performance and better data collection are often achieved under more advantageous conditions that may require flying at higher altitudes, where GPS signals are stronger and data acquisition is less prone to interference from nearby objects. Therefore, the focus on the risk of collisions underscores the importance of safety in UAS operations.