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Total structural load at a given load factor

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 18 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

QUESTIONA small unmanned aircraft weighs 20 pounds. During a maneuver its structure is subjected to a load factor of 3. What is the total load on the structure?

  1. A60 pounds
  2. B23 pounds (20 plus 3)
  3. C6.7 pounds (20 divided by 3)
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 60 pounds

  • A — correct The guide states that a load factor of 3 means the total load on the structure is three times the aircraft's weight, so 3 × 20 pounds = 60 pounds.
  • B — incorrect Load factor is a multiplier of weight, not an amount added to it.
  • C — incorrect Dividing weight by the load factor is the wrong operation; the total load is weight multiplied by the load factor.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot study guide describes load factor as the proportion between lift and weight, measured in Gs. Any force applied to an aircraft to deflect its flight from a straight line produces a stress on its structure, and the amount of that force is the load factor. A load factor of 3 means the total load on the aircraft's structure is three times its weight, and it may be spoken of as 3 Gs. Aircraft structures are designed to withstand only a certain overload, so pilots can impose a dangerous overload if they ignore load factor.

STUDY TIP

Multiply weight by the load factor to get the total load the structure must carry.

KEY POINTS

  • Load factor is expressed in Gs.
  • A load factor of 3 means a total load of three times the weight.
  • Structures withstand only a limited overload.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch4 "Load Factors"
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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.