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Minimum airspeed in a 72-degree bank

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 17 of 25 on Loading and Performance. ACS element UA.IV.A.K1 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAn aircraft with a normal unaccelerated stalling speed of 45 knots enters a steep turn banked at more than 72°, producing a load factor of 3. According to the Remote Pilot study guide, above what airspeed must it be kept to prevent a stall?

  1. A135 knots (three times the stall speed)
  2. B75 knots
  3. C45 knots, since bank does not change stall speed
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 75 knots

  • A — incorrect Stall speed rises with the square root of the load factor, not with the load factor itself.
  • B — correct The guide states that in an aircraft with a normal unaccelerated stalling speed of 45 knots, a bank greater than 72° produces a load factor of 3 and the airspeed must be kept greater than 75 knots to prevent a stall.
  • C — incorrect Bank angle raises the load factor, and a higher load factor raises the stalling speed.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot study guide explains that banking an aircraft at more than 72° in a steep turn produces a load factor of 3, which significantly increases the stalling speed. In its example, an aircraft with a normal unaccelerated stalling speed of 45 knots must be kept above 75 knots to avoid inducing a stall in that turn. A similar effect occurs in a quick pull-up or any maneuver producing load factors above 1 G. This sudden, unexpected loss of control near the ground has caused many accidents.

STUDY TIP

Work in two steps: bank angle gives the load factor, and the square root of the load factor scales the stall speed.

KEY POINTS

  • A bank of more than 72° produces a load factor of 3.
  • With a 45-knot stall speed, stay above 75 knots.
  • Pull-ups and other high-G maneuvers have the same effect.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch4 "Load Factors and Stalling Speeds"
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON LOADING AND PERFORMANCE

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.