FREE FAA-107 sUAS Loading and Center of Gravity Questions and Answers

Question 1

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring an sUAS is loaded correctly and operated within weight and balance limitations?

Accepted Answer

The Remote Pilot in Command (PIC).

Answer

According to 14 CFR Part 107, the Remote Pilot in Command (PIC) is directly responsible for, and is the final authority on, the safe operation of the sUAS. This includes preflight checks of loading, weight, and balance.

Question 2

What is a likely consequence of operating an sUAS with a center of gravity (CG) that is too far forward?

Accepted Answer

Higher stalling speed.

Answer

A forward CG makes the aircraft nose-heavy, which increases longitudinal stability. However, it requires more tail-down force to maintain level flight, which increases the total lift required from the wing and results in a higher stalling speed.

Question 3

What is a potential effect of operating an sUAS above its maximum gross weight?

Accepted Answer

Reduced maneuverability and endurance.

Answer

Operating an aircraft above its maximum gross weight requires more power to generate the necessary lift, which significantly reduces flight time and endurance. The increased mass also makes the aircraft less responsive to control inputs.

Question 4

An sUAS is loaded with its center of gravity (CG) at the most aft limit. What flight characteristic should the remote pilot expect?

Accepted Answer

The sUAS will be unstable and difficult to recover from a stall.

Answer

An aft CG reduces longitudinal stability, making the aircraft tail-heavy and twitchy in the pitch axis. This instability makes it very difficult to recover from a stall, as the aircraft may not have enough elevator authority to lower the nose.

Question 5

The term 'arm' in weight and balance calculations refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Horizontal distance from the reference datum.

Answer

In weight and balance terminology, the 'arm' is the horizontal distance from the reference datum to the center of gravity of an item. The 'moment' is then calculated by multiplying the weight of the item by its arm.

FAA - Part 107 Test Practice Test

FAA - Part 107 Test Practice Test

FREE FAA-107 sUAS Loading and Center of Gravity Questions and Answers