UAS Loading, Performance & Emergency Procedures Flashcards
7 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 7 UAS Loading, Performance & Emergency Procedures flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a pre-flight weight and balance check for a sUAS?
Answer: To ensure the CG is within limits for stable and controllable flight
Weight and balance checks confirm the CG is within the manufacturer's envelope, which is essential for predictable, stable flight characteristics.
A remote pilot is flying a mapping mission and the UAS begins losing altitude steadily without control input. This indicates:
Answer: Battery voltage is dropping and available thrust is decreasing
As a LiPo battery discharges, voltage sag reduces available motor power, causing the aircraft to lose the ability to maintain altitude and descend.
An operator adds a gimbal and camera to a UAS, shifting the CG forward of the recommended limit. The aircraft will MOST likely:
Answer: Tend to pitch nose-down and require continuous elevator correction
A CG forward of limits causes a nose-heavy condition; for a fixed-wing this degrades pitch control, and for a multirotor it requires the flight controller to constantly compensate with differential motor speed.
Which statement about sUAS performance in cold temperatures is CORRECT?
Answer: Cold air is denser, improving rotor performance but reducing LiPo battery capacity
Cold, dense air improves aerodynamic efficiency and rotor thrust, but LiPo batteries lose internal capacity in cold temperatures, creating a performance trade-off.
During a commercial inspection flight, a motor failure warning appears. The remote pilot should FIRST:
Answer: Immediately execute an emergency landing in the safest area nearby
A motor warning indicates imminent or current failure; the safest response is immediate landing before full motor loss causes an uncontrolled crash.
Why is it important to know a UAS's maximum wind speed rating before each flight?
Answer: Operating beyond the wind rating can overpower the motors and cause loss of control
If wind speed exceeds the rated maximum, the UAS cannot maintain position or attitude, and the pilot may lose directional control of the aircraft.
When a sUAS experiences unexpected signal loss (failsafe activated), which outcome is MOST dependent on pre-flight configuration?
Answer: Whether the aircraft hovers, lands, or returns home
Failsafe behavior (hover in place, auto-land, or RTH) is programmed by the pilot before flight; incorrect configuration can result in the aircraft flying into obstacles or away from the pilot.