Practice Test GeeksFAA Practice Test
← All FAA Flashcard Decks

Payload & Performance Calculations Flashcards

7 cards from real FAA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Payload & Performance Calculations flashcards as text

  1. A sUAS has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 4.4 lbs. The drone itself weighs 3.2 lbs. What is the maximum payload it can carry while remaining legal under Part 107?

    Answer: 1.2 lbs

    Payload capacity equals MTOW minus drone weight: 4.4 - 3.2 = 1.2 lbs.

  2. Which factor most directly determines how payload weight affects drone flight endurance?

    Answer: Increased motor current draw depletes battery faster

    Additional payload forces motors to draw more current to maintain lift, which drains the battery more quickly.

  3. A commercial drone operator needs to carry a 0.5 lb camera package. The drone battery weighs 0.4 lbs and the airframe weighs 2.8 lbs. What is the total system weight for FAA compliance purposes?

    Answer: 3.7 lbs

    Total weight includes airframe + battery + payload: 2.8 + 0.4 + 0.5 = 3.7 lbs.

  4. Under FAA Part 107, the 55 lb weight limit for sUAS refers to:

    Answer: The total weight of the aircraft including everything onboard at takeoff

    Part 107 defines 55 lbs as the maximum takeoff weight including the aircraft, payload, batteries, and all attached equipment.

  5. A drone rated for a maximum payload of 2 lbs is loaded with a 1.8 lb sensor package. How does this affect the drone's performance compared to flying without a payload?

    Answer: Reduced endurance and potentially reduced top speed

    Any added payload increases motor load and battery consumption, reducing endurance and possibly limiting top speed even if within rated limits.

  6. When calculating whether a sUAS exceeds 55 lbs, which of the following items must be included?

    Answer: Airframe, motors, batteries, payload, and any attached accessories

    The FAA considers all items attached to or carried by the aircraft at takeoff as part of the total weight for the 55 lb limit.

  7. A remote pilot notices that adding a heavier payload causes the drone's hover throttle to increase significantly. This primarily indicates:

    Answer: Greater power consumption that will shorten available flight time

    Higher hover throttle means increased power draw, which directly reduces battery life and total flight time.