Loading and Performance
Weight, balance, payload effects, battery and density altitude performance. This page lists the topics, then sends you into 41 practice questions on this category alone.
Study checklist
- Takeoff weight under 55 pounds and the manufacturer limit
- Center of gravity placement and aft loading instability
- Payload effects on endurance, climb, and wind margin
- Density altitude combined with heat and cold penalties
- Battery health, cold sag, reserves, and cycle life
- Propeller condition, guards, and sensor blockage checks
- External and swinging loads, liquid slosh
- Hover test and post flight motor temperature checks
Sample question from this category
Adding a heavy camera payload to a drone will...
- Improve flight time
- Reduce flight time, slow climb, and make the aircraft less responsive
- Have no effect if the battery is full
- Increase the maximum altitude limit in the rule
Answer: Reduce flight time, slow climb, and make the aircraft less responsive. Weight is paid for in endurance and agility. Motors work harder, current rises, and the margin to fight wind shrinks. Basis: FAA performance guidance; AC 107-2.
FAQ
How many loading and performance questions are on the real exam?
The FAA does not publish an exact per category count. The test samples all five areas across 60 questions, and airspace plus weather usually carry the heaviest load.
Can I study only this category here?
Yes. The practice page lets you run a single category round, 10, 20, or 40 questions, with scoring as you go.