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Quizzes > Quizzes for Business > Technology

UAS Theoretical Competency Quiz Challenge

Test Your UAS Drone Theory Knowledge

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art depicting a UAS Theoretical Competency Quiz scene.

Ready to conquer your UAS theoretical competency quiz? This drone theory quiz offers 15 multiple-choice questions covering aerodynamics, navigation, and safety regulations to sharpen your skills. Ideal for aspiring pilots and educators aiming to assess competency with precision. Customize the questions freely in our editor and make it your own. Explore similar Lean Competency Assessment Quiz and Railway Safety Competency Quiz , or browse more quizzes to continue learning.

What term describes the upward force generated by a UAS wing or propeller that allows it to overcome gravity?
Weight
Lift
Drag
Thrust
Lift is the aerodynamic force generated perpendicular to the relative airflow, enabling the UAS to overcome gravity. Thrust propels the drone forward, drag opposes motion, and weight is the gravitational force pulling it down.
Which axis controls roll in UAS flight?
Longitudinal axis
Lateral axis
Transverse axis
Vertical axis
The longitudinal axis runs from the nose to the tail of the UAS, and rotation about this axis produces roll motion. The lateral axis controls pitch, and the vertical axis controls yaw.
What does GPS stand for in drone navigation?
Ground Proximity Sensor
Global Positioning System
Guidance and Positioning Suite
Geospatial Plotting Service
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information. It is widely used in UAS for accurate positioning and navigation.
Which FAA airspace class generally requires prior authorization for UAS operations near busy airports?
Class C
Class G
Class A
Class E
Class C airspace surrounds busy terminal areas and requires two-way radio communication and authorization from ATC for UAS operations. Class G is uncontrolled and does not require such authorization.
In UAS terminology, what is the payload?
The weight of cargo the UAS carries excluding its own structure
The flight controller software version
The battery capacity measured in mAh
The type of propeller installed
Payload refers to the weight of any equipment or cargo that the UAS carries beyond its own systems. It does not include the airframe, battery, or onboard avionics.
If wind is forecast as 220° at 15 knots, from which compass direction is the wind blowing?
Southeast
Southwest
Northwest
Northeast
A wind direction of 220° means the wind is originating from the southwest. Wind directions are reported as the bearing from which the wind is coming.
Which sensor in a UAS uses atmospheric pressure to estimate altitude?
Barometric altimeter
Magnetometer
Global Positioning System
Ultrasonic sensor
A barometric altimeter measures changes in atmospheric pressure to estimate altitude. GPS provides position data but is less precise for instantaneous altitude measurements.
The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) primarily measures which parameters?
Acceleration and angular rate
GPS coordinates
Magnetic field strength
Temperature and humidity
An IMU combines accelerometers and gyroscopes to measure linear acceleration and rotational rates. These measurements are used to calculate the UAS's attitude and motion.
Which flight mode uses GPS to hold the drone's position and altitude with minimal pilot input?
Manual mode
Acro mode
Stabilize mode
Loiter mode
Loiter mode uses GPS and barometric data to maintain a fixed position and altitude. Other modes like Acro provide no automatic position hold.
Which FAA regulation governs small commercial UAS operations in the United States?
Part 135
Part 107
Part 91
Part 61
FAA Part 107 provides the rules and requirements for small UAS operated for commercial purposes. Part 91 covers general aviation and larger aircraft operations.
Under FAA Part 107, what is the maximum allowable takeoff weight for a small UAS including payload?
100 pounds
55 pounds
33 pounds
75 pounds
A small UAS under Part 107 is defined as weighing no more than 55 pounds at takeoff, including all payloads. Exceeding this limit requires different regulatory approvals.
What is the primary purpose of conducting a pre-flight checklist before a UAS operation?
Ensure system readiness and safety
Reduce radio interference
Increase flight speed
Calibrate navigation sensors
A pre-flight checklist ensures that all systems are functioning properly and identifies any safety issues before flight. Calibration and interference checks may be part of this process, but the overall goal is safety.
In METAR coding for weather conditions, what does the abbreviation "RA" indicate?
Hail
Fog
Snow
Rain
In METAR reports, "RA" is the abbreviation for rain. Other codes like SN refer to snow and FG to fog.
How does increasing payload weight generally affect a UAS's flight endurance?
Increases endurance
Has no effect
Decreases endurance
Improves stability but not endurance
Adding payload increases the power required to maintain flight, thereby reducing available flight time. Heavier payloads demand more energy from batteries or fuel.
To maintain proper center of gravity, where should heavier payloads be placed on a UAS?
At the front nose
On one wingtip
Randomly distributed
Near the manufacturer's designated CG point
Placing weight near the designated center of gravity maintains stability and control. Positioning heavy items too far forward or aft can lead to unstable flight characteristics.
A runway heading is 330° and the wind is reported as 300° at 20 knots. What is the approximate headwind component?
20 knots
17 knots
5 knots
10 knots
The angle between runway heading and wind direction is 30°, and the headwind component is 20 knots × cos(30°) ≈ 17 knots. Crosswind and tailwind components are calculated similarly using trigonometry.
A drone uses a 2200 mAh battery at 11.1 V and draws 15 A during flight. Approximately how long can it fly on a single charge?
8.8 minutes
20 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
Flight time ≈ (2.2 Ah / 15 A) × 60 min ≈ 8.8 minutes. Higher current draw or lower battery capacity will further reduce endurance.
If planning to operate a UAS within Class C airspace, which of the following is required?
Only daytime operations
No requirements
File an IFR flight plan
Two-way radio communication with ATC
Class C airspace requires two-way radio communication and explicit clearance from ATC before entering. This ensures separation from other traffic in busy terminal areas.
In a METAR report, what altitude do "SCT020" clouds represent?
Scattered clouds at 2000 ft AGL
Clear sky
Overcast clouds at 2000 ft AGL
Broken clouds at 2000 ft AGL
"SCT" means scattered cloud coverage and "020" indicates 2000 feet above ground level. Broken is coded BKN, overcast is OVC.
A UAS has an empty weight of 500 g with its center of gravity at 100 mm. Adding a 200 g payload at 150 mm, what is the new combined center of gravity?
114.3 mm
130.0 mm
140.0 mm
100.0 mm
Combined CG = (500 g × 100 mm + 200 g × 150 mm) / 700 g ≈ 114.3 mm. Proper CG ensures stable and controllable flight characteristics.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify core UAS aerodynamic principles and terminology
  2. Analyse drone navigation systems and flight controls
  3. Evaluate UAS safety protocols and regulatory requirements
  4. Apply meteorological data to flight planning scenarios
  5. Demonstrate understanding of payload management techniques

Cheat Sheet

  1. Fundamental Forces of Flight - Ever wondered how drones defy gravity? They juggle four superhero forces: lift countering weight and thrust battling drag. Understanding this dynamic quartet is your ticket to mastering smooth and stable flights! Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration
  2. Drone Navigation Systems - GPS and inertial navigation systems work together like a dynamic duo, pinpointing your drone's location and keeping it steady in mid-air. These technologies help you avoid getting lost and ensure precision during aerial missions. Dive into how they keep your drone on the straight and narrow! Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration
  3. Primary Flight Controls - Roll, pitch, and yaw might sound like a dance routine, but they're actually your drone's moves in the sky! Roll (ailerons) tilts, pitch (elevator) nods forward or back, and yaw (rudder) swivels left or right. Mastering these controls turns you into an aerial choreographer ready for precision maneuvers. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration
  4. FAA Part 107 Regulations - Think of Part 107 as the drone pilot's rulebook, covering operating limits, certification requirements, and safety protocols. Following these guidelines keeps you on the right side of the law and ensures safe skies for everyone. Brush up on these regulations to fly confidently and legally! Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration
  5. Pre-Flight Inspections - Before your drone takes off, treat it like a race car: check for cracks, loose parts, and software glitches. A thorough walk-around can catch hidden issues and save you from mid-air surprises. Consistent inspections are your best friends for safe, incident-free flights! Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration
  6. Interpreting METARs and TAFs - Weather codes might look like secret messages, but METARs (observations) and TAFs (forecasts) reveal essential flight info like wind speed and visibility. Learning to decode these reports helps you plan around the weather, avoiding surprises in the sky. Crack the code and fly with confidence, rain or shine! Weather and Micrometeorology Study Guide | Drone Flight School
  7. Weather Phenomena Impact - Ever been startled by a sudden gust or surprised by fog? Phenomena like microbursts, wind shear, and fog can turn a smooth flight into a bumpy ride. Knowing how these elements affect your drone lets you pick the perfect weather window and avoid hairy situations. Weather and Micrometeorology Overview | Drone Flight School
  8. Effects of Temperature and Humidity - Temperature swings and humidity levels can be sneaky - impacting battery life, motor efficiency, and sensor readings. Hot days may drain batteries faster, while high humidity can fog optical sensors. Anticipating these effects helps you plan smart flight durations and ensure reliable performance! Weather and Micrometeorology Overview | Drone Flight School
  9. Payload Management Techniques - Packing too much weight or unstable cargo is like sending a heavyweight boxer into the ring - your drone might struggle to stay balanced. Learn how to calculate weight limits and secure payloads for smooth, controlled flights. Effective payload tactics mean safer missions and happier landings! Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration
  10. Staying Updated on UAS Regulations - The drone world evolves fast, with rules and guidelines changing like traffic signals. Regularly check for updates to ensure you're compliant and flying safely. Staying in-the-know keeps you ahead of the curve and out of legal tangles - happy flying! Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) | Federal Aviation Administration
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