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FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Exam

Aircraft Loading & Performance Practice Questions

26 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Exam.

  1. Q1.Before each flight, the Remote PIC must ensure that:

    A.The aircraft is properly loaded and objects are secure
    B.The aircraft has a full battery
    C.The camera is recording
    D.The flight log is updated
    AThe aircraft is properly loaded and objects are secure

    Explanation: 14 CFR § 107.49 requires the remote pilot to ensure that any object attached or carried by the small unmanned aircraft is secure and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability.

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  2. Q2.The most critical factor affecting the stability of an aircraft is:

    A.The Center of Gravity (CG) location
    B.The total weight
    C.The battery voltage
    D.The propeller pitch
    AThe Center of Gravity (CG) location

    Explanation: The location of the Center of Gravity (CG) is critical to stability. If the CG is outside the manufacturer's limits, the aircraft may become uncontrollable.

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  3. Q3.What happens to the stall speed of an aircraft as the load factor increases (e.g., in a steep turn)?

    A.Stall speed increases
    B.Stall speed decreases
    C.Stall speed remains the same
    D.Stall speed becomes irrelevant
    AStall speed increases

    Explanation: As load factor increases (such as in a bank), the wings must support more apparent weight. This requires a higher angle of attack, causing the aircraft to stall at a higher airspeed.

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  4. Q4.When operating an aircraft with a heavy load, you can expect:

    A.Reduced maneuverability and higher stall speed
    B.Increased maneuverability and lower stall speed
    C.Longer flight times
    D.Higher maximum altitude
    AReduced maneuverability and higher stall speed

    Explanation: A heavier aircraft requires more lift, which increases drag and stall speed, while reducing maneuverability and climb performance.

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  5. Q5.In a 60-degree banked turn, the load factor on the aircraft is approximately:

    A.2 Gs
    B.1 G
    C.1.5 Gs
    D.3 Gs
    A2 Gs

    Explanation: In a coordinated level turn with a 60-degree bank, the load factor is 2 Gs. The structure must support twice the weight of the aircraft.

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  6. Q6.If the Center of Gravity (CG) is located too far aft (rearward), the aircraft will:

    A.Be less stable and difficult to recover from a stall
    B.Be more stable
    C.Have a higher stall speed
    D.Be nose-heavy
    ABe less stable and difficult to recover from a stall

    Explanation: An aft CG reduces longitudinal stability. If the aircraft stalls, it may be difficult or impossible to lower the nose to recover.

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  7. Q7.How does high density altitude affect the performance of a small UA?

    A.Propeller efficiency is decreased
    B.Propeller efficiency is increased
    C.Motor power increases
    D.Lift increases
    APropeller efficiency is decreased

    Explanation: High density altitude (thin air) reduces the efficiency of the propeller (less air to bite into) and reduces the lift generated by the wings/rotors.

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  8. Q8.Which factor creates the greatest increase in load factor?

    A.Steep turns
    B.Climbs
    C.Descents
    D.Straight and level flight
    ASteep turns

    Explanation: Load factor increases significantly in turns. Straight and level flight is 1 G. A 60-degree turn is 2 Gs.

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  9. Q9.Before attaching a payload to a drone, you should check:

    A.The manufacturer's weight and balance data
    B.The color of the payload
    C.If the payload is waterproof
    D.The battery brand
    AThe manufacturer's weight and balance data

    Explanation: The remote pilot must verify that the aircraft remains within the manufacturer's specified weight and balance limits with the payload attached.

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  10. Q10.If a drone weighs 30 lbs and enters a 60-degree bank turn (Load Factor = 2), the structure must support a load equivalent to:

    A.60 lbs
    B.30 lbs
    C.45 lbs
    D.90 lbs
    A60 lbs

    Explanation: Load Factor x Weight = Total Load. 2 x 30 lbs = 60 lbs.

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  11. Q11.Exceeding the center of gravity limits established by the manufacturer may result in:

    A.Loss of control
    B.Increased battery life
    C.Better video quality
    D.Higher top speed
    ALoss of control

    Explanation: Operating outside CG limits adversely affects controllability and stability, potentially leading to a crash.

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  12. Q12.Maximum endurance is obtained at the speed for:

    A.Minimum power required
    B.Maximum lift-to-drag ratio
    C.Maximum power
    D.Minimum drag
    AMinimum power required

    Explanation: Maximum endurance (longest time aloft) occurs at the speed that requires the minimum amount of power to maintain altitude.

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  13. Q13.Maximum range is obtained at the speed for:

    A.Maximum lift-to-drag (L/D) ratio
    B.Minimum power
    C.Maximum thrust
    D.Stall speed
    AMaximum lift-to-drag (L/D) ratio

    Explanation: Maximum range (greatest distance) occurs at the speed that yields the maximum lift-to-drag ratio (L/D MAX).

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  14. Q14.Loading a camera gimbal on the front of a drone shifts the Center of Gravity:

    A.Forward
    B.Aft
    C.Upward
    D.It does not change
    AForward

    Explanation: Adding weight to the front of the aircraft shifts the CG forward.

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  15. Q15.What is the consequence of operating an aircraft above its maximum gross weight?

    A.Reduced rate of climb and shorter flight time
    B.Increased rate of climb
    C.Lower stall speed
    D.Increased maneuverability
    AReduced rate of climb and shorter flight time

    Explanation: Overloading an aircraft reduces climb performance, shortens range/endurance, increases takeoff distance, and increases stall speed.

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  16. Q16.If you add prop guards to your drone, how does this affect performance?

    A.It adds weight and drag, reducing flight time
    B.It increases lift
    C.It improves stability in wind
    D.It has no effect
    AIt adds weight and drag, reducing flight time

    Explanation: Prop guards add weight and aerodynamic drag, both of which reduce the overall efficiency and flight time of the aircraft.

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  17. Q17.The angle of attack at which a wing stalls remains constant regardless of:

    A.Weight, loading, and airspeed
    B.The type of aircraft
    C.The density altitude
    D.The wind direction
    AWeight, loading, and airspeed

    Explanation: A given wing will always stall at the same critical angle of attack, regardless of the aircraft's weight, speed, or load factor.

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  18. Q18.A stall occurs when the smooth airflow over the unmanned airplane's wing is disrupted and the lift degenerates rapidly. This is caused when the wing exceeds:

    A.The critical angle of attack
    B.The maximum speed
    C.The maximum weight
    D.The maximum altitude
    AThe critical angle of attack

    Explanation: Stalls are caused by exceeding the critical angle of attack.

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  19. Q19.When loading a sUAS with cargo, the remote pilot must ensure the cargo is:

    A.Secured to prevent shifting in flight
    B.Heavier than the battery
    C.Loose to allow vibration dampening
    D.Attached with velcro only
    ASecured to prevent shifting in flight

    Explanation: 14 CFR § 107.49 requires that any attached object is secure. Shifting cargo can change the CG in flight, leading to loss of control.

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  20. Q20.Which of the following is considered a 'Dead Load'?

    A.The weight of the aircraft structure and permanent equipment
    B.The cargo
    C.The pilot
    D.The wind
    AThe weight of the aircraft structure and permanent equipment

    Explanation: Dead load refers to the permanent weight of the structure. (Though this term is less common in drone specific exams than 'Empty Weight', it tests general loading concepts).

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  21. Q21.If a drone is tail-heavy (CG too far aft), what is the likely flight characteristic?

    A.It will be very sensitive to pitch commands and unstable
    B.It will be very stable and hard to turn
    C.It will fly faster
    D.It will consume less battery
    AIt will be very sensitive to pitch commands and unstable

    Explanation: An aft CG makes the aircraft longitudinally unstable. Small pitch inputs can result in large attitude changes, making it difficult to control.

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  22. Q22.When operating in cold weather (low density altitude), the drone's performance will generally:

    A.Increase (better lift and thrust)
    B.Decrease (less lift)
    C.Remain exactly the same
    D.Cause the battery to last longer
    AIncrease (better lift and thrust)

    Explanation: Low density altitude (dense air) improves aerodynamic performance (lift and thrust). However, cold temps often reduce battery efficiency, which is a separate physiological factor.

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  23. Q23.You are flying a quadcopter. If one motor fails, the aircraft will:

    A.Usually roll and yaw toward the failed motor and descend
    B.Hover in place
    C.Automatically land safely
    D.Spin upwards
    AUsually roll and yaw toward the failed motor and descend

    Explanation: Most quadcopters cannot sustain flight with one motor failure. The loss of thrust and torque balance causes a roll/yaw toward the dead motor and a loss of altitude.

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  24. Q24.Basic empty weight includes:

    A.The airframe, motors, and installed optional equipment
    B.The airframe and the payload
    C.The airframe and the battery
    D.The total takeoff weight
    AThe airframe, motors, and installed optional equipment

    Explanation: Basic empty weight typically includes the standard empty weight plus optional equipment installed.

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  25. Q25.If you modify your drone by attaching a 3rd party camera, what must you consider?

    A.Weight and Balance, and Security of the attachment
    B.Only the weight
    C.Only the battery life
    D.Nothing, modifications are always allowed
    AWeight and Balance, and Security of the attachment

    Explanation: Modifications affect weight and balance (CG). 14 CFR 107.49 requires ensuring the aircraft is properly loaded and safe.

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  26. Q26.A remote pilot enters a turn and increases the load factor to 2.0. If the drone's stall speed in level flight is 20 knots, what is the new stall speed?

    A.28 knots
    B.20 knots
    C.40 knots
    D.10 knots
    A28 knots

    Explanation: Stall speed increases in proportion to the square root of the load factor. The square root of 2 is approx 1.41. 20 knots * 1.41 = 28.2 knots.

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