Drone Pilot Practice Exam

When should the remote pilot be concerned about increased load factor on the wings?

1. During straight-and-level flight

2. When executing sharp turns only

3. Any time the airplane is subjected to maneuvers other than straight-and-level flight

4. During descent only

The correct answer is: Any time the airplane is subjected to maneuvers other than straight-and-level flight

The correct response highlights the importance of recognizing how different maneuvers impact the load factor on an aircraft's wings. The load factor is essentially the amount of force exerted on the wings relative to the weight of the aircraft. This force can increase significantly during certain maneuvers, such as climbing, descending, or making sharp turns. When an aircraft is performing straight-and-level flight, the load factor is typically at one "g" (the force of gravity). However, when executing maneuvers, such as turning, climbing, or descending, the load factor can exceed this baseline. For instance, during a turn, the aircraft experiences centripetal acceleration which increases the load factor. Understanding that any maneuver aside from straight-and-level flight can lead to increased load is crucial for remote pilots, as excessive load factors can lead to structural failure or compromise the aircraft's performance. In this context, other answer choices do not encompass the broad scope of situations a pilot must be aware of. Focusing solely on sharp turns or only on descent fails to address the comprehensive set of maneuvers that affect load factor. Recognizing that any non-level flight can induce these changes encourages a safer flying practice and proper risk assessment during operations.