Part 107 Study Guide
Loading & Performance
Understand how payload, temperature, humidity, and altitude affect sUAS performance. Covers density altitude calculations and battery/endurance planning.
21 questions in this topic
Sample Questions
How does adding payload to a small unmanned aircraft affect its performance?
Any item that increases total weight is undesirable for performance. Excess weight reduces performance in almost every respect, including a reduced rate of climb, shorter range, reduced maneuverability and a higher stalling speed. Even a published maximum takeoff weight may not be safe under all conditions; high density altitude may require reducing weight. FAA-G-8082-22 Ch. 4.
Under Part 107, a small unmanned aircraft (including payload and attachments) must weigh:
14 CFR 107.3 defines a small unmanned aircraft as weighing less than 55 lbs (about 25 kg) on takeoff, including everything on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft.
14 CFR 107.3
Flying a sUAS at a high-elevation site on a hot day, you should expect:
High elevation and high temperature both raise density altitude, meaning thinner air. As density decreases, aircraft performance decreases: the propeller is less efficient and produces less thrust, and the airfoils produce less lift. High density altitude may also require reducing weight before flight. FAA-G-8082-22 Ch. 3b and Ch. 4; FAA-H-8083-25C Ch. 11.
💡 Memory tip
Hot + high = thin air = less thrust and less lift. Like sprinting at altitude: same effort, less result.
The center of gravity (CG) of a sUAS is critical because:
The CG is of major importance in any small UA because its position has a great bearing on stability. Operating with the CG outside the approved limits results in control difficulty. If the CG is not within limits after loading, relocate or shed weight before flight. FAA-G-8082-22 Ch. 4.
💡 Memory tip
CG is the balance point. Outside its limits the aircraft is hard to control, so move or remove weight before flight.
A remote pilot is planning to attach a camera gimbal and a LiDAR sensor to their sUAS. The combined weight at takeoff is 52 lbs. Is this operation legal under Part 107?
Part 107 applies to unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 lbs on takeoff, including everything on board or attached. Carrying a payload needs no waiver as long as the total stays under that limit, within the manufacturer's limits, and all other rules are followed. 14 CFR 107.3.
14 CFR 107.3
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What factors increase density altitude? ▾
Density altitude increases (performance decreases) with higher temperature, higher humidity, higher elevation, and lower pressure. High DA means the air is less dense, so the propeller is less efficient and produces less thrust, and airfoils produce less lift.
How does payload weight affect sUAS endurance? ▾
Added weight is undesirable for performance: it requires more thrust, and excessive weight reduces performance in almost every respect, including rate of climb and range. Follow the manufacturer's weight and balance limits, and expect to reduce the load on hot, high, or humid days. FAA-G-8082-22 Ch. 3b and Ch. 4; FAA-H-8083-25 Ch. 10.