FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Loading and PerformanceHard
A remote pilot is flying a fixed-wing sUAS in a steep 60-degree banked turn. Compared to straight-and-level flight, what happens to the load factor and stall speed?
- ALoad factor increases to about 2 G and stall speed increases
- BLoad factor increases but stall speed decreases proportionally
- CLoad factor decreases and stall speed decreases
- DLoad factor remains at 1 G with no change in stall speed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Load factor increases to about 2 G and stall speed increases
In a coordinated turn, load factor equals 1/cos(bank angle). At 60 degrees, cos(60°)=0.5, so load factor = 1/0.5 = 2 G. Stall speed increases by the square root of the load factor, roughly 41% higher than level flight stall speed.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Stall speed increases, not decreases, as load factor rises.
- C. Steeper banks increase, not decrease, load factor and stall speed.
- D. Load factor only stays at 1 G in wings-level, unaccelerated flight.
Load Factor in Turns
Load factor increases with bank angle according to 1/cos(bank angle); higher load factor raises stall speed by the square root of that factor.
- 60° bank = 2 G load factor
- Stall speed increases by √(load factor)
- Steeper banks dramatically increase load factor
Memory trick: 60 degrees doubles your weight and your stall speed jumps too.