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Lift required in an 80-degree bank

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 20 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 weighing 25 pounds is in a coordinated, constant-altitude turn at an 80° bank. Using the load factor the Remote Pilot study guide gives for that bank, how much lift must the wing produce to maintain altitude?

  1. A50 pounds (25 × 2, the 60° value)
  2. B144 pounds (25 × 5.76)
  3. C25 pounds, since lift always equals weight
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 144 pounds (25 × 5.76)

  • A — incorrect A load factor of 2 Gs applies to a 60° bank; at 80° the load factor is 5.76 Gs.
  • B — correct The guide gives a load factor of 5.76 Gs for an 80° bank and states that the wing must produce lift equal to the load factor if altitude is to be maintained; 25 pounds × 5.76 = 144 pounds.
  • C — incorrect Lift equals weight only in unaccelerated level flight; in a banked level turn the wing must produce lift equal to the load factor times weight.

BACKGROUND

In a coordinated, constant-altitude turn the load factor results from centrifugal force and weight, and it rises at a terrific rate once the bank exceeds 45° or 50°. The Remote Pilot study guide gives 2 Gs for a 60° bank and 5.76 Gs for an 80° bank. The wing must produce lift equal to these load factors if altitude is to be maintained. At slightly more than 80° the load factor exceeds 6 Gs, the limit load factor of an acrobatic aircraft, and a 90° constant-altitude turn is not mathematically possible.

STUDY TIP

Multiply the aircraft's weight by the load factor for the bank angle to find the lift the wing must produce.

KEY POINTS

  • An 80° bank produces a load factor of 5.76 Gs.
  • Lift required equals load factor times weight.
  • Just beyond 80° the load factor exceeds the 6-G acrobatic limit.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch4 "Load Factors in Steep Turns"
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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.