Aircraft
Loading and performance without guesswork
Reason about weight, center of gravity, density altitude and battery margin as one system.
Every addition changes the aircraft
A camera, guard, light or payload changes total weight, balance and aerodynamic drag. Use manufacturer limitations and an approved configuration rather than assuming that the motors will compensate.
Center of gravity matters
An off-center load can force some motors to work harder and reduce controllability or endurance. Secure payloads so they cannot shift, obstruct sensors or interfere with propellers.
Protect the reserve
Advertised flight time is not a mission plan. Wind, temperature, battery condition, maneuvering and payload change the usable duration. Establish a conservative landing trigger and include time for an abnormal recovery.
Reassess after changes
If the configuration, weather or location changes, the earlier performance judgment may no longer be valid. Treat the change as a new risk assessment.
Official sources
- FAA: Become a Certificated Remote Pilot
- FAA Remote Pilot sUAS ACS
- FAA Airman Testing
- FAA testing supplements
Current regulations, FAA guidance, authorizations and testing-provider instructions control over this summary.