Climb performance and altitude

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 12 of 25 on Loading and Performance. ACS element UA.IV.A.K2 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONBecause an increase in altitude raises the power required and lowers the power available, an aircraft's climb performance:

  1. Adiminishes with altitude
  2. Bimproves with altitude
  3. Cstays constant until the service ceiling
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. diminishes with altitude

  • A — correct The guide states that an increase in altitude increases the power required and decreases the power available, so climb performance diminishes with altitude.
  • B — incorrect Less power available and more power required means climb performance gets worse, not better, with altitude.
  • C — incorrect The guide describes a continuous decline with altitude, not a constant value.

BACKGROUND

Climb performance is directly dependent on the ability to produce excess thrust or excess power. The Remote Pilot study guide notes that weight, altitude and configuration changes affect excess thrust and power and therefore affect climb performance. An increase in altitude increases the power required and decreases the power available. As a result, the climb performance of an aircraft diminishes with altitude.

STUDY TIP

Tie altitude to two effects, more power required and less available, and the conclusion follows.

KEY POINTS

  • Climb depends on excess thrust or power.
  • Altitude raises power required and lowers power available.
  • Climb performance therefore diminishes with altitude.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch3b "Climb Performance Factors"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.