sUAS Loading and Performance Flashcards
6 cards from real RPC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 sUAS Loading and Performance flashcards as text
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?
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.
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?
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.
Which of the following is a direct result of an increase in load factor on an sUAS?
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.
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?
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.
What is the primary reason a remote pilot in command must understand the principles of weight and balance before every flight?
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.
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?
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.