Most common in-flight weight change

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 2 of 25 on Loading and Performance. ACS element UA.IV.A.K1a · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAccording to the Remote Pilot study guide, what is the most common weight change that takes place during flight?

AShifting of the payload inside the aircraft
BFuel burn
CAccumulation of moisture on the airframe

Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Fuel burn

A — incorrect Shifting a load changes balance rather than total weight, and the guide does not name it as the most common weight change.
B — correct The study guide states that fuel burn is the most common weight change that takes place during flight.
C — incorrect The guide does not describe moisture accumulation as an in-flight weight change; it names fuel burn.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide notes that weight changes during flight have a direct effect on aircraft performance. Fuel burn is identified as the most common weight change during flight. As fuel is used the aircraft becomes lighter and performance improves, but the change can have a negative effect on balance. For small unmanned aircraft, weight change can also occur when expendable items such as a jettisonable load are used.

STUDY TIP

Link fuel burn with two effects: lighter weight improves performance, but balance can shift.

KEY POINTS

Fuel burn is the most common in-flight weight change.
A lighter aircraft performs better.
The weight change may adversely affect balance.

SOURCES

remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch4 "Introduction"

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