UAS Technical Skills and Training 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a UAS preflight inspection checklist?
- To satisfy FAA documentation requirements only
- To systematically verify all components are airworthy before flight (Correct answer)
- To log maintenance history for future reference
- To calculate battery endurance for the mission
Correct answer: To systematically verify all components are airworthy before flight
A preflight checklist ensures each critical system and component is verified airworthy, reducing the risk of in-flight failures.
Question 2: Which type of UAS control system architecture uses onboard sensors to maintain stable flight without constant pilot input?
- Manual mode
- Rate mode
- Stabilized/autopilot mode (Correct answer)
- Acrobatic mode
Correct answer: Stabilized/autopilot mode
Stabilized or autopilot mode uses onboard IMU and barometer data to autonomously hold attitude and altitude, reducing pilot workload.
Question 3: When calibrating a UAS compass, why should the operator move away from metal structures?
- Metal structures block GPS satellite signals
- Ferrous metal distorts the local magnetic field, causing inaccurate calibration (Correct answer)
- Metal reduces radio frequency range
- Structures create turbulence that affects calibration readings
Correct answer: Ferrous metal distorts the local magnetic field, causing inaccurate calibration
Nearby ferrous metals generate local magnetic anomalies that interfere with compass calibration, resulting in incorrect heading data.
Question 4: What does ESC stand for in UAS propulsion systems?
- Electronic Speed Controller (Correct answer)
- Engine Stability Calibrator
- External Sensor Circuit
- Emergency Stop Command
Correct answer: Electronic Speed Controller
An Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) regulates motor RPM by converting flight controller signals into the correct power output for each motor.
Question 5: A multirotor UAS experiences a sudden loss of one motor during flight. What is the immediate effect on the aircraft?
- The drone will hover in place using remaining motors
- The drone will yaw and descend uncontrollably toward the failed motor side (Correct answer)
- The flight controller will automatically land the drone safely
- Only forward movement will be restricted
Correct answer: The drone will yaw and descend uncontrollably toward the failed motor side
Loss of one motor disrupts the balanced thrust and torque, causing the drone to yaw and roll toward the failed motor and descend.
Question 6: What parameter does a UAS barometric altimeter primarily measure?
- Distance from the ground using sonar
- GPS-derived elevation above sea level
- Atmospheric pressure to estimate altitude above the launch point (Correct answer)
- Radar return time from the surface
Correct answer: Atmospheric pressure to estimate altitude above the launch point
Barometric altimeters measure local air pressure and compare it to a reference to calculate relative altitude above the takeoff point.
Question 7: Which battery chemistry is most commonly used in commercial UAS platforms due to its high energy density and light weight?
- Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
- Lead-Acid
- Lithium Polymer (LiPo) (Correct answer)
- Alkaline
Correct answer: Lithium Polymer (LiPo)
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries offer the highest energy density per kilogram among common rechargeable chemistries, making them ideal for UAS applications.
UAS Technical Skills and Training 2
What is the primary purpose of a UAS preflight inspection checklist?