QUESTIONAdding weight to an aircraft reduces the reserve thrust available for climbing. According to the Remote Pilot study guide, what chain of effects explains this?
- AA lower angle of attack is needed, which reduces lift and forces the engine to run at lower power
- BThe added weight increases the air density around the wing, which lowers thrust
- CA higher angle of attack is needed, which raises drag and requires more thrust to overcome it
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. A higher angle of attack is needed, which raises drag and requires more thrust to overcome it
- A — incorrect Added weight requires a higher, not lower, angle of attack, and the guide describes more thrust being consumed by drag rather than less power being produced.
- B — incorrect Aircraft weight has no effect on air density; the mechanism is increased drag from a higher angle of attack.
- C — correct The guide explains that added weight forces a higher angle of attack to hold altitude and speed, which increases induced and parasite drag, so more thrust is needed to overcome drag and less reserve thrust remains for climbing.