Drone Pilot Practice Exam

What might occur if the center of gravity of a UAS is too far aft?

1. The UAS will be more stable

2. Recovering from a stall might be more difficult

3. The UAS will fly faster

4. There will be decreased drag

The correct answer is: Recovering from a stall might be more difficult

When the center of gravity (CG) of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is positioned too far aft, it can lead to a decrease in stability, particularly during slower flight conditions. This potentially unstable configuration can make control of the aircraft more challenging, especially in the event of a stall. When a UAS stalls, it loses lift, and the way it responds to control inputs may be less predictable. Recovery from a stall typically relies on the ability to maintain control and pitch the nose down; if the CG is too far back, the aircraft may not pitch down as desired, making recovery more difficult. In this situation, the UAS may also exhibit a tendency to pitch up more easily, which can further exacerbate the challenge of controlling the aircraft. A well-balanced UAS, with the CG properly positioned, ensures a stable flight profile and facilitates easier recovery from adverse conditions such as stalls.