What consequence occurs if an unmanned aircraft flies below the minimum required distance from a cloud?

Flying an unmanned aircraft below the minimum required distance from a cloud results in a violation of FAA regulations because the regulations are designed to ensure safety and prevent mid-air collisions. The FAA requires unmanned aircraft to maintain a specific distance from clouds to enhance visibility and allow operators to maintain situational awareness. Not adhering to this requirement can lead to dangerous flying conditions, including potential encounters with other aircraft that may not be visible due to cloud cover.

In terms of the other options, increased fuel consumption, ineligibility for FAA waiver, and loss of flight ability are not directly tied to this specific regulation regarding the distance from clouds. While flying in poor visibility can lead to inefficiencies and complicate waivers and operational capabilities, the primary consequence recognized in the regulation is indeed the violation of FAA rules.