Drone Pilot Practice Exam

What term describes the perceived weight felt by the aircraft during flight?

1. Thrust

2. Load factor

3. Airspeed

4. Drag

The correct answer is: Load factor

The correct term that describes the perceived weight felt by the aircraft during flight is "Load factor." The load factor is a critical concept in aviation that refers to the ratio of the lift of an aircraft to its weight. It is especially important during maneuvers or turns, where the load factor can increase significantly, leading to a greater perception of weight by the aircraft and its occupants. This perceived weight arises due to the acceleration forces acting on the aircraft. For example, when an aircraft banks during a turn, the load factor increases, causing the aircraft to experience more than its actual weight. This means that during certain flight conditions, such as steep turns or rapid climbs, the pilots and passengers may feel heavier than they would under standard level flight conditions. Understanding load factor is essential for safe flight operations, as excessive load factors can potentially lead to structural overload or loss of control. Properly managing the load factor ensures that the aircraft operates within safe parameters, which is fundamental for both flight performance and safety.