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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 remote pilot calculates that adding a 0.9 lb payload reduces flight time from 28 minutes to 19 minutes. What is the approximate percentage reduction in endurance?

    Answer: 32%

    (28 − 19) ÷ 28 × 100 = 32.1%, so the drone loses approximately 32% of its endurance.

  2. Which of the following best describes disc loading in the context of drone payload performance?

    Answer: Total thrust divided by the total rotor disc area, which increases with added payload

    Disc loading (thrust/rotor area) rises with payload weight because more thrust must be generated across the same rotor area.

  3. A pilot carries a 0.5 lb payload on a hot day (DA 4,000 ft). Compared to sea level standard conditions, what should the pilot expect?

    Answer: Reduced available thrust, requiring higher throttle and greater battery draw to carry the same payload

    High density altitude reduces air density, which decreases rotor efficiency; motors must work harder to produce the same lift, especially under payload.

  4. A commercial sUAS operation requires lifting a 2.2 lb sensor to 300 ft AGL in calm winds. Which specification is most critical to verify before flight?

    Answer: That the payload is within the drone's rated payload capacity and the total MTOW is under 55 lbs

    Confirming payload is within rated capacity and total weight is under 55 lbs ensures both manufacturer safety and FAA Part 107 compliance.

  5. A drone manufacturer publishes payload capacity at sea level standard conditions. How should this data be interpreted for a flight at 5,000 ft density altitude?

    Answer: The actual safe payload will be less than the published figure due to reduced rotor efficiency at higher density altitude

    Rated capacity is measured in standard sea-level conditions; at higher density altitude, reduced air density decreases rotor efficiency and effective payload capacity.

  6. A 4.4 lb sUAS (including battery) is asked to carry a package. The pilot determines total MTOW will be 5.8 lbs, still well under 55 lbs. Which statement is correct?

    Answer: The flight may still be unsafe if 5.8 lbs exceeds the manufacturer's rated MTOW for that aircraft

    The FAA's 55 lb limit does not override manufacturer MTOW ratings; exceeding the aircraft's rated MTOW is unsafe regardless of the regulatory ceiling.

  7. What effect does increasing payload weight have on a multirotor's agility and response to control inputs?

    Answer: Agility decreases because greater inertia requires more torque to change attitude

    Higher payload increases the system's rotational inertia, requiring more motor torque to execute the same maneuvers, which slows control response.