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Effect of releasing a jettisonable load in flight

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 21 of 25 on Loading and Performance. ACS element UA.IV.A.K1a · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONDuring a flight, a small UA releases a jettisonable load. According to the Remote Pilot study guide, what effect can this kind of in-flight weight change have?

  1. APerformance improves, but balance may be adversely affected
  2. BPerformance and balance both improve as the aircraft gets lighter
  3. CPerformance is unchanged because lift adjusts automatically
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Performance improves, but balance may be adversely affected

  • A — correct The guide says that as weight is shed in flight the aircraft becomes lighter and performance is improved, but this could have a negative effect on balance; for small UA this occurs when expendable items such as a jettisonable load are used.
  • B — incorrect The guide warns that the weight loss can have a negative effect on balance even though performance improves.
  • C — incorrect The guide states that weight changes during flight have a direct effect on performance.

BACKGROUND

The Remote Pilot study guide states that weight changes during flight have a direct effect on aircraft performance. As weight is used up the aircraft becomes lighter and performance improves, but the change could have a negative effect on balance. In small UA operations, weight change during flight may occur when expendable items are used on board, for example a jettisonable load. The remote pilot in command should determine how the center of gravity will shift and the resulting effects on the aircraft.

STUDY TIP

Whenever a load is dropped in flight, think about where the CG moves, not just how much lighter the aircraft becomes.

KEY POINTS

  • In-flight weight change directly affects performance.
  • A lighter aircraft performs better but balance may suffer.
  • Jettisonable loads are a small UA example of in-flight weight change.

SOURCES

  • remote_pilot_study_guide.txt ch4 "Introduction"
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.