RPC - Remote Pilot Certificate sUAS Loading and Performance Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A remote pilot is planning a flight on a hot, humid day at a high-elevation airport. What effect will these conditions have on sUAS performance?
- Performance will be decreased due to a high density altitude. (Correct answer)
- Performance will be increased due to a lower density altitude.
- Performance will not be affected by these conditions.
- Performance will only be affected by the high elevation, not temperature or humidity.
Correct answer: Performance will be decreased due to a high density altitude.
High temperature, high humidity, and high elevation all contribute to a high density altitude, which means the air is less dense. Less dense air reduces propeller efficiency, decreases lift, and diminishes overall aircraft performance.
Question 2: When loading an sUAS with additional equipment, the remote pilot must ensure that the center of gravity (CG) remains within the manufacturer's specified limits. What is a likely consequence of operating with a CG that is too far aft?
- Increased longitudinal stability, making the aircraft nose-heavy.
- Decreased stability and potential difficulty in recovering from a stall. (Correct answer)
- A higher stall speed and increased fuel efficiency.
- Improved maneuverability with no negative effects on stability.
Correct answer: Decreased stability and potential difficulty in recovering from a stall.
An aft center of gravity (CG) makes an aircraft less stable and can make it difficult to recover from a stall. The aircraft will have a tendency to pitch up, which can exacerbate a stall condition.
Question 3: Which of the following is a direct result of an increase in load factor on an sUAS?
- A decrease in the stall speed.
- An increase in the stall speed. (Correct answer)
- A decrease in the aircraft's total weight.
- No effect on aerodynamic performance.
Correct answer: An increase in the stall speed.
Stall speed increases in proportion to the square root of the load factor. When an sUAS is in a maneuver like a steep turn, the load factor increases, which means the wings must produce more lift to maintain altitude. This requires a higher angle of attack for a given airspeed, bringing the aircraft closer to its critical angle of attack and thus increasing the speed at which it will stall.
Question 4: A remote pilot has attached a new, heavier camera to their sUAS. The total weight of the aircraft with the new payload is now 53 pounds. To comply with 14 CFR Part 107, what must the pilot do before conducting operations?
- Request a waiver from the FAA for the overweight operation.
- Ensure the center of gravity is within the aft limit.
- Fly only in Class G airspace below 200 feet AGL.
- Remove the payload or use a lighter aircraft. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Remove the payload or use a lighter aircraft.
Under 14 CFR Part 107, a small unmanned aircraft system must weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff, including everything on board. Since the aircraft is under this limit, the critical step is to ensure it is correctly loaded according to the manufacturer's instructions, not that it is overweight. However, operating an aircraft at a weight different from its usual configuration requires a new weight and balance calculation to ensure the center of gravity is within limits for safe flight. The most crucial first step is to verify the loading is correct per the flight manual.
Question 5: What is the primary reason a remote pilot in command must understand the principles of weight and balance before every flight?
- To calculate the maximum flight duration.
- To ensure the sUAS meets the color requirements for night operations.
- To avoid exceeding the maximum authorized altitude.
- To ensure the aircraft remains controllable and performs predictably. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To ensure the aircraft remains controllable and performs predictably.
Compliance with the manufacturer's weight and balance limits is critical for flight safety. Operating outside these limits can adversely affect the aircraft's controllability, stability, and performance, potentially leading to loss of control.
Question 6: If an sUAS is loaded so that its center of gravity is at the most forward limit, which of the following performance characteristics should be expected?
- Lower stall speed and decreased stability.
- Higher stall speed and increased stability. (Correct answer)
- Faster cruise speed and less stability.
- Slower stall speed and faster roll rate.
Correct answer: Higher stall speed and increased stability.
A forward center of gravity (CG) increases longitudinal stability, making the aircraft more resistant to pitch changes. However, it requires a greater tail-down force to maintain level flight, which increases the overall lift required from the wings. This results in a higher angle of attack for any given speed, which in turn leads to a higher stall speed.
RPC - Remote Pilot Certificate sUAS Loading and Performance Questions and Answers 1
A remote pilot is planning a flight on a hot, humid day at a high-elevation airport.
What effect will these conditions have on sUAS performance?