Aerodynamics
What are the four main forces acting on an aircraft?
Lift, weight, thrust, drag
What cloud type is associated with thunderstorms?
Cumulonimbus
What color are Class C airspace boundaries on sectional charts?
Solid magenta lines
What is the maximum altitude allowed under Part 107 (without a waiver)?
400 feet AGL
What is the max groundspeed allowed under Part 107?
100 mph (87 knots)
Increasing angle of attack generally increases what aerodynamic force (until reaching the critical angle)?
Lift
What might you get if temperature and dew point are close together?
Fog, dew, frost
What does the fraction like “36/12” near an airport indicate?
Ceiling and floor altitudes of controlled airspace in hundreds of feet (e.g., 3,600 ft to 1,200 ft MSL)
Can you fly in Class G airspace without ATC authorization?
Yes, it’s uncontrolled airspace
What is the minimum visibility requirement for drone operations?
3 statute miles
What happens when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle?
The aircraft stalls
What weather condition is most dangerous to small drones: High winds or light rain?
High winds
What symbol represents a restricted area?
Blue-hatched boundary with an "R-####" label
What do you need to operate in Class D airspace?
Prior ATC authorization via LAANC or manual request
How far must you remain from clouds?
500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally
Define induced drag in drone flight.
Drag caused by the production of lift; it increases with higher angles of attack
What does a fast-moving cold front typically bring?
Turbulence, storms, gusty winds
How can you tell if an airport has a control tower on the chart?
The airport name is shown in blue
Where does Class E airspace typically begin in the absence of magenta shading?
1,200 feet AGL
When must you report an accident to the FAA?
Within 10 days if it causes serious injury, loss of consciousness, or property damage over $500
How do propeller pitch and RPM affect thrust?
Higher pitch or faster RPM increases thrust
Explain “density altitude” and why it matters for drones.
It’s pressure altitude corrected for temperature; higher density altitude = thinner air = reduced lift/propeller efficiency
What does a magenta vignette around an airport signify?
Transition area where Class E airspace begins at 700 ft AGL
Name the vertical limits of Class B airspace.
Typically from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL (varies by location)
What does the remote pilot in command (RPIC) have to ensure before every flight?
The drone is safe for operation and all preflight inspections are completed