Airspeed, rate of turn and load factor at a fixed bank

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

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONTwo aircraft hold the same bank angle in coordinated, constant-altitude turns, but one flies at a higher airspeed. According to the Remote Pilot study guide, how do their rate of turn and load factor compare?

  1. AThe faster aircraft turns at the same rate, but its load factor is higher because of centrifugal force
  2. BThe faster aircraft turns at a faster rate, and the load factor is lower
  3. CThe faster aircraft turns at a slower rate, and the load factor is the same
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The faster aircraft turns at a slower rate, and the load factor is the same

  • A — incorrect The slower rate of turn at higher speed compensates for the added centrifugal force, so the load factor does not rise.
  • B — incorrect Higher speed at a given bank gives a slower, not faster, rate of turn, and the load factor stays the same.
  • C — correct The guide states that for any given bank angle the higher the speed, the slower the rate of turn, which compensates for the added centrifugal force and lets the load factor remain the same.

BACKGROUND

At a constant altitude in a coordinated turn, the load factor results from centrifugal force and weight. The Remote Pilot study guide explains that for any given bank angle, the rate of turn varies with airspeed: the higher the speed, the slower the rate of turn. This slower rate compensates for the added centrifugal force, so the load factor remains the same for that bank angle. Load factor therefore depends on bank angle, and it rises steeply once the bank exceeds 45° or 50°.

STUDY TIP

Remember that bank angle, not airspeed, sets the load factor in a coordinated level turn.

KEY POINTS

  • At a given bank, higher airspeed means a slower rate of turn.
  • The slower rate offsets added centrifugal force.
  • The load factor stays the same for that bank angle.

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.