RPC sUAS Loading and Performance 3

Question 1

What happens to an sUAS's center of gravity when a heavy battery is moved rearward from its standard mounting position?

Accepted Answer

CG shifts aft, potentially causing pitch-up instability

Answer

Moving heavy components aft shifts the CG rearward, creating a nose-up pitch tendency and reducing pitch stability and control responsiveness.

Question 2

A remote pilot plans to fly an sUAS at a site with a field elevation of 5,500 ft MSL on a hot afternoon (temperature 95°F). Compared to sea-level standard day operations, the pilot should expect:

Accepted Answer

Significantly reduced motor efficiency and shorter flight times

Answer

High elevation combined with high temperature dramatically increases density altitude, reducing air density and motor efficiency, resulting in shortened flight times and degraded performance.

Question 3

When calculating weight and balance for an sUAS, 'useful load' is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The difference between maximum gross weight and basic empty weight

Answer

Useful load is the difference between maximum allowable gross weight and the basic empty weight, representing all weight available for payload, batteries, and accessories.

Question 4

An sUAS with a rated maximum gross weight is operated at exactly that limit. How will any unexpected payload addition during flight (such as ice accumulation) affect the aircraft?

Accepted Answer

The aircraft will exceed its structural and power limits, risking loss of control

Answer

Operating at the maximum gross weight leaves no margin, so any additional weight from ice, moisture, or unexpected cargo can exceed structural or power limits and cause a loss of control.

Question 5

Which operational scenario would result in the GREATEST reduction in sUAS hovering endurance?

Accepted Answer

Flying at high density altitude with maximum payload

Answer

High density altitude reduces rotor efficiency while maximum payload increases power demand—the combination produces the greatest reduction in hovering endurance.

(RPC) Remote Pilot Certificate Practice Test

(RPC) Remote Pilot Certificate Practice Test

RPC sUAS Loading and Performance 3