UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General UAS Loading and Performance Questions and Answers

Question 1

A remote pilot is preparing for a flight on a hot, humid day at an airport with a high field elevation. Which of the following effects on UAS performance should be anticipated?

Accepted Answer

Reduced aircraft performance due to high density altitude.

Answer

High temperature, high humidity, and high elevation all contribute to a high density altitude. High density altitude means the air is less dense, which reduces the efficiency of the propellers and motors. This leads to decreased overall aircraft performance, including longer takeoff distances, reduced climb rates, and shorter flight times.

Question 2

If the center of gravity (CG) of a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft is moved to the most aft limit, which performance characteristic is most likely to be experienced?

Accepted Answer

Less stability and a lower stall speed.

Answer

Moving the center of gravity (CG) aft decreases longitudinal stability, making the aircraft less stable but more maneuverable. An aft CG also results in a lower stall speed because less tail-down force is required to balance the aircraft, which means the wing can fly at a lower angle of attack for level flight.

Question 3

What is the primary reason a remote pilot in command must calculate the weight and balance of their UAS before every flight?

Accepted Answer

To comply with the manufacturer's specified limits for safe operation.

Answer

Compliance with the manufacturer's specified weight and balance limits is critical for flight safety. Operating outside these limits can compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft and lead to instability or loss of control. The remote PIC is responsible for verifying the aircraft is correctly loaded before each flight.

Question 4

During a coordinated 60-degree banked turn, the load factor on a UAS would be approximately:

Accepted Answer

2 Gs

Answer

In a coordinated, level turn, the load factor increases with the angle of bank. The load factor is the ratio of the total lift produced to the aircraft's weight. In a 60-degree bank, the lift required to maintain altitude is twice the weight of the aircraft, resulting in a load factor of 2 Gs.

Question 5

A remote pilot plans to attach a new, heavier camera payload to their multirotor UAS. Which of the following is the most significant performance change the pilot should expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased flight endurance and potentially sluggish control response.

Answer

Exceeding the maximum gross weight of a UAS reduces flight performance in almost every respect. The motors must work harder to generate sufficient lift, which significantly increases power consumption and decreases flight endurance. The added weight also increases inertia, which can make the aircraft feel less responsive or 'sluggish' to control inputs.

UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Practice Test

UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General Practice Test

UAG - Unmanned Aircraft General UAS Loading and Performance Questions and Answers