Loading & Performance — Part 107 Practice Questions

106 questions in this content area, roughly 7–11% of the exam. 13 are published in full below with worked explanations.

1. A battery pack shows visible swelling. What is the appropriate action?

ADischarge it fully and continue normal use
Remove it from service, because swelling indicates a failing cell
CUse it only in cold weather to limit further expansion
DUse it for short flights only, staying within visual line of sight

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: Swelling (bulging) of a LiPo battery indicates internal failure: electrolyte breakdown is producing gas. This is a sign of significant cell degradation and a precursor to potential thermal runaway (fire) or sudden voltage collapse. Under Part 107, the remote pilot must ensure the small unmanned aircraft is in a condition for safe operation. A swollen battery is a defect that makes the aircraft unsafe. Why the other choices are wrong: "Discharge it fully and continue normal use" is extremely dangerous; further electrical stress could cause failure. "Use it only in cold weather to limit further expansion" does not address the underlying failure and risk. "Use it for short flights only, staying within visual line of sight" still uses an unsafe component; the risk remains. Exam tip: A swollen battery is a failing battery. Remove it from service immediately and dispose of it properly at a battery recycling center.

2. A quadcopter has a manufacturer maximum takeoff weight of 4.4 pounds and an empty weight of 2.9 pounds with battery. What is the maximum payload that may be carried?

1.5 pounds
B7.3 pounds
C4.4 pounds
D2.9 pounds

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: The maximum payload is the weight available for cargo after accounting for the aircraft's equipped empty weight. The governing concept is payload = maximum takeoff weight - empty weight. Calculation: 4.4 lbs (max takeoff) - 2.9 lbs (empty) = 1.5 lbs. Why the other choices are wrong: "7.3 pounds" is wrong because it incorrectly adds the weights instead of subtracting. "4.4 pounds" is wrong because that is the maximum total weight, not the available payload. "2.9 pounds" is wrong because that is the empty weight, not the payload capacity. Exam tip: Payload is what you can add; it's the difference between the max weight and the weight of the aircraft ready to fly.

3. A remote pilot notices that flights at a new site consistently end sooner than at the usual location, with the same aircraft and payload. What is the most likely explanation?

Elevation, temperature or wind is raising the power required
BThe aircraft's registration is not valid at the new site
CThe batteries accumulated charge cycles during the travel
DThe control link is markedly stronger at the new site

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: Endurance is determined by the power required to fly, which increases with density altitude (high elevation/hot temperature) and wind. A new site with different environmental conditions will change the power demand for the same aircraft and payload, directly affecting flight time. This is the most direct and common explanation. Why the other choices are wrong: The statement "The aircraft's registration is not valid at the new site" is wrong; registration is national, not site-specific. The statement "The batteries accumulated charge cycles during the travel" is wrong; travel itself doesn't significantly age batteries; any effect would be minor compared to environmental factors. The statement "The control link is markedly stronger at the new site" is wrong; a stronger link might improve control but doesn't directly increase endurance. Exam tip: When performance changes at a new location, first suspect environmental factors: check density altitude and wind.

4. A remote pilot warms batteries in a vehicle before a cold-weather flight. What is the operational rationale?

AWarming packs is required by Part 107 below freezing
Warm cells have lower resistance and give more capacity
CWarm cells weigh less, which improves payload capacity
DWarming a pack resets its charge cycle counter to zero

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: Cold temperatures increase a battery's internal resistance. Higher resistance means more voltage is lost inside the battery when delivering current, reducing the effective voltage and capacity available to the motors. Pre-warming lowers the internal resistance, allowing the battery to deliver more of its stored energy and maintain voltage under load, which translates to longer available flight time. Why the other choices are wrong: "Warming packs is required by Part 107 below freezing" is not a specific regulation; it's a best practice. "Warm cells weigh less, which improves payload capacity" is false; temperature does not change a battery's mass. "Warming a pack resets its charge cycle counter to zero" is not a function of temperature; cycle count is based on charge/discharge history. Exam tip: Cold = high internal resistance = less usable power. Keep your batteries warm before flight in cold weather.

5. Adding a heavier camera to a multirotor within its rated payload limit will have what effect on flight characteristics?

AIncreased maximum groundspeed
BNo change, since the flight controller compensates automatically
Reduced endurance and a longer stopping distance when decelerating
DIncreased endurance because of greater inertia

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: Adding mass increases the aircraft's weight. The flight controller compensates by drawing more current to produce more lift, draining the battery faster and reducing endurance. Greater mass also means greater inertia (momentum), requiring more force (and time/distance) to decelerate or change direction. Why the other choices are wrong: 'Increased maximum groundspeed' is wrong; added weight typically reduces performance, not increases speed. 'No change, since the flight controller compensates automatically' is misleading; the controller compensates for stability, but it cannot negate the laws of physics affecting endurance and momentum. 'Increased endurance because of greater inertia' is incorrect; greater inertia is a detriment, not a benefit, to endurance. Exam tip: Any added payload, even within limits, reduces performance margins. Re-evaluate your flight plan and battery reserves after adding equipment.

6. During preflight a remote pilot finds one pack at 60 percent charge and no time to charge it. What is the correct approach?

AFly the full mission and monitor the percentage closely
BFly with a lighter payload to make 60 percent equal 100 percent
CTreat 60 percent as equivalent to a full pack in cool weather
Plan around the available energy and required reserve

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: 14 CFR 107.49(d) requires the remote pilot to ensure there is enough available power for the intended operational time. A battery at 60% charge has less available energy, so the flight plan must be adjusted to fit within that reduced capacity, including any desired reserve. Why the other choices are wrong: "Fly the full mission and monitor the percentage closely" risks exhausting the battery before completing the operation. "Fly with a lighter payload to make 60 percent equal 100 percent" is not a reliable calculation and ignores the rule's focus on available power. "Treat 60 percent as equivalent to a full pack in cool weather" is incorrect; cold weather reduces capacity, it doesn't increase the usefulness of a partial charge. Exam tip: Available power is what you have, not what you wish you had. Scale your mission to your battery's state of charge.

7. How does sustained forward flight at high speed affect endurance compared with a hover?

AIt reliably doubles endurance compared with hovering
BIt has no effect at all on the power the aircraft draws
It varies by airframe and must be measured, not assumed
DIt reliably halves endurance compared with hovering

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: The effect of speed on endurance is not universal. Some aircraft experience translational lift at moderate speeds, improving efficiency. At high speeds, increased aerodynamic drag can increase power demand. This relationship depends on airframe design, rotor configuration, and payload, so it must be determined through actual flight testing, not assumed. Why the other choices are wrong: The statement "It reliably doubles endurance compared with hovering" is wrong because this is not a reliable rule; it may improve or worsen endurance. The statement "It has no effect at all on the power the aircraft draws" is wrong because speed significantly affects power requirements. The statement "It reliably halves endurance compared with hovering" is wrong because this is also not a reliable rule; the effect varies. Exam tip: Never assume a universal rule for speed vs. endurance. Test your specific aircraft and note the results.

8. What happens to flight time when payload weight increases?

AFlight time increases due to momentum
BFlight time is unaffected
It decreases because the aircraft needs more power
DIt doubles once the aircraft reaches its maximum payload

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: Increased payload weight requires more lift to maintain flight. This greater demand for thrust draws more current from the battery, depleting its energy faster and reducing total flight time (endurance). Why the other choices are wrong: 'Flight time increases due to momentum' is incorrect; momentum is not a factor in battery-powered endurance. 'Flight time is unaffected' is false because weight directly impacts power consumption. 'It doubles once the aircraft reaches its maximum payload' is a misstatement; flight time decreases progressively with added weight, not in a sudden doubling. Exam tip: For battery-powered aircraft, more weight always means less flight time. Plan payload and flight time together.

9. When is the best time to discover that a new payload configuration handles poorly?

During a low test hover in a clear area before the mission
BAt maximum altitude where there is more recovery room
CAfter reviewing the recorded flight data
DDuring the client's paid operation

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: The best time to discover a problem is when the consequences of failure are minimal. As the original explanation states, a low-altitude test hover in an open, clear area allows the pilot to assess handling with little risk to people, property, or the aircraft itself. Why the other choices are wrong: "At maximum altitude where there is more recovery room" is risky; a problem at altitude may leave insufficient time or power for recovery. "After reviewing the recorded flight data" is reactive; the problem would have already occurred. "During the client's paid operation" is the worst time, as it risks mission failure and safety. Exam tip: Discover problems in a controlled test, not during a critical operation.

10. Why does an unbalanced load reduce the safety margin of a multirotor in gusty conditions?

Some control authority is already spent holding attitude
BIt causes the GPS receiver to lose satellite lock
CIt increases the maximum allowable groundspeed
DIt shifts the aircraft's registration category

Why A is correct

Why this is correct: An unbalanced load forces the flight controller to command unequal motor power just to maintain a level hover. This uses up a portion of the available thrust range (control authority). As the original explanation notes, this leaves less reserve thrust to counteract sudden gusts, reducing the safety margin. Why the other choices are wrong: "It causes the GPS receiver to lose satellite lock" is incorrect; GPS signal is not directly affected by aircraft balance. "It increases the maximum allowable groundspeed" is false; imbalance does not increase legal or performance speed limits. "It shifts the aircraft's registration category" is wrong; registration is based on weight, not balance. Exam tip: Any condition that pre-loads the control system reduces its capacity to handle disturbances.

11. Why is the manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight usually more restrictive than the 55-pound Part 107 limit?

AIt builds in a mandatory FAA-imposed safety factor
It reflects that airframe's structure and power, not a rule
CIt is set to align with the registration weight threshold
DIt applies only when operating over human beings

Why B is correct

Why this is correct: The manufacturer's maximum takeoff weight is an engineering limit based on the specific aircraft's design, thrust, and structural strength. The 55-pound limit is a regulatory ceiling for Part 107 applicability. The pilot must always obey the more restrictive (lower) limit. Why the other choices are wrong: "It builds in a mandatory FAA-imposed safety factor" is wrong because the manufacturer's limit is not an FAA-imposed factor; it's an airworthiness limit. "It is set to align with the registration weight threshold" is wrong; registration thresholds (0.55 lbs, 55 lbs) are separate rules. "It applies only when operating over human beings" is wrong; the manufacturer's weight limit applies to all flights. Exam tip: You must fly at or below both the manufacturer's limit AND the 55-lb rule. The lower number is the one that controls.

12. Why should a remote pilot establish a hard battery percentage at which the mission is abandoned?

AIt must be filed as part of the LAANC authorization request
BIt permits the 400-foot altitude limit to be exceeded
CIt increases the total endurance available to the aircraft
It turns a pressured in-flight call into a prior decision

Why D is correct

Why this is correct: During a mission, especially near completion, there is pressure to continue flying to finish the task, which can lead to pushing the battery too low. A pre-determined abort threshold (e.g., return-to-home at 30% battery) removes this risky decision-making from the stressful in-flight moment, enforcing a safer, pre-committed limit. Why the other choices are wrong: The statement "It must be filed as part of the LAANC authorization request" is wrong because LAANC does not require filing a battery abort percentage. The statement "It permits the 400-foot altitude limit to be exceeded" is wrong; it does not grant altitude exceptions. The statement "It increases the total endurance available to the aircraft" is wrong; it does not physically increase battery capacity. Exam tip: Set personal minimums for battery level just like for weather. Make the safe decision on the ground, not in the air.

13. Why should a remote pilot re-verify weight after field repairs?

AThe FAA requires a weight report after any repair
BRepairs void the manufacturer's weight specification permanently
Replacement parts and hardware may change weight and balance
DWeight changes only matter for aircraft over 25 pounds

Why C is correct

Why this is correct: Repairs often involve replacing parts or adding adhesives/hardware, which can change the aircraft's total weight and its center of gravity. This affects performance and handling. Why the other choices are wrong: "The FAA requires a weight report after any repair" is wrong; Part 107 does not specify a formal weight report. "Repairs void the manufacturer's weight specification permanently" is wrong; repairs don't automatically void specs, but they can alter them. "Weight changes only matter for aircraft over 25 pounds" is wrong; weight and balance matter for all aircraft. Exam tip: As the remote pilot in command, you are responsible for the aircraft's airworthiness (107.15). After repairs, verify weight and balance as part of your preflight.

93 more Loading questions

Answers and explanations for these are in the study app.

A battery's voltage sags sharply under high throttle demand but recovers when the load reduces. What does this indicate?
A camera is mounted well forward of a multirotor's designed mounting point. What is the likely effect?
A flight plan calls for 15 minutes of work at a point 0.8 miles from the launch site. What must the endurance budget include beyond the working time?
A gimbal is mounted 2 inches forward of the designed position. Which motors work hardest in a hover?
A mission requires 18 minutes of flight. Recent flights with the same configuration have averaged 21 minutes to the low-battery warning. What is the sound judgment?
A mission requires flying 1.2 miles downwind and returning against a 15-knot headwind. What planning consideration is most important?
A remote pilot adds a 0.6-pound payload to an aircraft that previously hovered at 45 percent throttle. What should be expected on the next hover check?
A remote pilot adds a 1.5-pound long-range communications module to the nose of a small UA. Before the module was installed, the aircraft's center of gravity was 12.5 inches aft of the datum. Adding the module moves the center of gravity 3 inches forward. What is the new loaded CG position relative to the datum?
A remote pilot calculates the loaded weight and balance for a small UA. The center of gravity is found to be exactly at the forward limit. Which of the following is true about the aircraft's handling?
A remote pilot discovers a battery has been sitting fully charged in a case for three months. What is the appropriate assessment before use?
A remote pilot logs 14 flights and finds average endurance is 17 minutes against a published 25. How should this inform planning?
A remote pilot mounts a payload below the aircraft rather than on top. What is the general effect on stability?
A remote pilot must abort a mission because the aircraft cannot climb out of ground effect with the mounted payload. What is the most likely cause?
A remote pilot must carry two unequal items. What is the best loading approach?
A remote pilot must decide between one flight with a heavy dual-sensor payload or two flights with single sensors. What consideration favors splitting the mission?
A remote pilot must operate at a site 1,500 feet higher than the usual working elevation with the same payload. What planning adjustment is most appropriate?
A remote pilot must survey a 40-acre site with an aircraft covering roughly 12 acres per battery in current conditions. How many batteries should be planned as a minimum?
A remote pilot notices the aircraft consistently drifts in one direction in a stable hover with no control input. What does this most likely indicate?
A remote pilot plans a mission requiring the aircraft to operate at the edge of control link range. What performance consideration applies?
A remote pilot plans four consecutive flights with three batteries. What planning consideration matters most?
A remote pilot removes propeller guards to save weight for a long survey flight. What must be reconsidered?
A remote pilot wants to confirm the true weight of a modified aircraft. What is the most reliable method?
A tall structure inspection requires repeated vertical climbs and descents. How does this affect endurance planning compared with a level survey of the same duration?
After adding a rear-mounted accessory, an aircraft pitches nose-up in a hover. What has changed?
An aircraft flies acceptably at sea level with a 1.2-pound payload. At a 6,000-foot site the same load causes sluggish response. What should the remote pilot conclude?
An aircraft handles normally in a hover but oscillates progressively in fast forward flight after a payload change. What is the most likely explanation?
An aircraft has an empty weight of 3.2 pounds. The operator adds a 1.1-pound camera, a 0.4-pound gimbal mount and 0.3 pounds of propeller guards. What is the takeoff weight for Part 107 purposes?
An aircraft is advertised as having a 30-minute flight time and a 2-pound payload capacity. What is the flaw in assuming both simultaneously?
An aircraft is rated for a maximum wind resistance of 20 knots. Winds are reported at 14 knots gusting to 22. What is the sound decision?
An operation calls for hovering in position for extended periods rather than flying a route. How does this affect power planning?
An operator swaps a 0.9-pound battery for a 1.4-pound higher-capacity pack. What is the net effect on endurance?
During a flight the low-battery warning triggers earlier than the remote pilot expected. What is the appropriate immediate action?
During a hover check the aircraft holds position but one motor runs noticeably hotter than the others after landing. What does this suggest?
How does a suspended load beneath an aircraft differ from a rigidly mounted payload of the same weight?
How does adding weight affect a multirotor's descent behavior?
How does cold weather affect lithium polymer battery performance?
How does increased takeoff weight affect a multirotor's ability to recover from a gust?
How does payload weight interact with the operations-over-people categories?
How does wind affect the energy needed to return to the launch point?
How should a remote pilot account for a planned vertical climb to 350 feet AGL in endurance planning?
How should a remote pilot plan a mission when the wind is forecast to increase during the operating window?
How should a remote pilot treat manufacturer endurance figures when planning a mission?
How should batteries be stored between jobs to maximize service life?
How should batteries be transported to a job site?
Part 107 requires the remote pilot in command to verify what regarding power before flight?
Two aircraft are identical except one carries propeller guards. What operational difference should be expected?
Two packs of identical capacity are available, one at 20 charge cycles and one at 180. Which should be used for a demanding flight near obstacles, and why?
What does a rising internal resistance measurement across a battery's service life indicate?
What does cell imbalance within a multi-cell pack cause during flight?
What does the C rating of a lithium polymer battery describe?
What effect does cold weather have on battery performance?
What effect does repeatedly discharging a lithium polymer pack to very low voltage have?
What happens to a multirotor's hover throttle setting as payload increases?
What is a common sign of an unbalanced load during a hover?
What is the appropriate response to a battery that becomes unusually hot during or immediately after a flight?
What is the best method for verifying a modified aircraft handles acceptably before a commercial flight?
What is the best practice when mounting an accessory that the aircraft manufacturer did not design for?
What is the center of gravity of an aircraft?
What is the correct interpretation of a battery low-voltage warning during flight?
What is the correct sequence when adding a new payload configuration?
What is the first sign of a lateral center of gravity problem during a hover check?
What is the maximum weight of a small unmanned aircraft, including everything on board or otherwise attached, for operation under Part 107?
What is the maximum weight of a small unmanned aircraft under Part 107?
What is the most reliable way for a remote pilot to build accurate endurance expectations for a specific aircraft?
What is the operational significance of a battery's cell count, such as 4S versus 6S?
What is the planning consequence of an operating site with no suitable emergency landing area within the flight path?
What is the purpose of balancing a payload on a multirotor?
What is the relationship between takeoff weight and the aircraft's usable altitude ceiling on a hot day?
What is the significance of a battery's remaining capacity being reported by voltage rather than by coulomb counting?
What is the value of recording actual conditions alongside flight times in a personal performance log?
What must be included when determining whether an aircraft is within its weight limit?
What risk does an insecurely mounted payload create beyond imbalance?
What should be done with a battery that has been dropped onto a hard surface?
What single figure most usefully summarizes an aircraft's ability to absorb a gust while carrying a payload?
What storage practice extends the service life of lithium polymer batteries?
When calculating whether an operation stays within the Part 107 weight limit, what must be included?
When determining if a small UA is within its weight and balance limits, which of the following is the most critical factor to calculate?
Where should a remote pilot look for an aircraft's maximum wind tolerance?
Where should a remote pilot look for the aircraft's specific performance limitations such as maximum wind tolerance and operating temperature range?
Which combination of conditions most degrades a multirotor's ability to lift a given payload?
Which condition combination should prompt the most conservative payload and endurance planning?
Which pre-mission step best predicts whether an aircraft can complete a planned flight in the day's conditions?
Why does an out-of-balance condition worsen as flight speed increases?
Why does the Part 107 weight limit apply at takeoff rather than at landing?
Why is battery percentage remaining a poor sole indicator of available flight time?
Why should a battery be allowed to cool before recharging after a demanding flight?
Why should a remote pilot avoid mounting equipment near the aircraft's compass or GPS antenna?
Why should a remote pilot avoid relying on the aircraft's automatic return-to-home low-battery trigger as the primary endurance plan?
Why should a remote pilot avoid running a battery to complete depletion during flight?
Why should a remote pilot consider the return leg first when planning a flight in wind?
Why should a remote pilot plan for shorter flights than the manufacturer's published endurance?
Why should a remote pilot verify performance assumptions when operating an unfamiliar aircraft from the fleet?
Why should mounting hardware be checked for tightness before every flight with an external payload?

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