FAA 107 Payload & Performance Calculations 3

Question 1

A drone's hover efficiency is expressed as grams of thrust per watt. How does adding payload affect this metric?

Accepted Answer

Efficiency decreases because more watts are consumed to lift each additional gram

Answer

Adding payload requires more power for the same lift, so the system produces fewer grams of net useful lift per watt consumed.

Question 2

A remote pilot plans to fly a mapping mission with a drone carrying a thermal camera. The manufacturer states maximum payload is 1.5 lbs. The camera weighs 1.3 lbs. What should the pilot assess before flight?

Accepted Answer

Whether the reduced payload margin leaves enough buffer for safe maneuvering and wind gusts

Answer

Operating near the payload limit reduces handling margins; pilots must assess whether the aircraft can safely maneuver with the added weight in expected conditions.

Question 3

Which formula correctly calculates the payload capacity of a drone?

Accepted Answer

Maximum Takeoff Weight − Empty Weight (including batteries)

Answer

Payload capacity is what remains of MTOW after subtracting the drone's own weight including batteries and fixed equipment.

Question 4

How does center of gravity (CG) shift caused by payload placement affect sUAS flight?

Accepted Answer

It can cause the drone to be nose-heavy or tail-heavy, degrading stability and control

Answer

An improperly positioned payload shifts the CG, forcing flight controllers to compensate and potentially degrading handling or exceeding control authority.

Question 5

A drone carrying a heavier-than-usual payload experiences reduced climb rate. What is the primary aerodynamic reason?

Accepted Answer

The excess thrust available above hover decreases when more power is consumed maintaining lift

Answer

Climb rate depends on excess thrust beyond hover; heavier payloads consume more of the available thrust for hovering, leaving less for climbing.

FAA Practice Test

FAA Practice Test

FAA 107 Payload & Performance Calculations 3