FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Study Guide 2025: Aircraft Factors

Key Topics

• Center of Gravity
• Balance and Stability
• Load Factors
• Stall Speeds
• Angle of Attack
• Critical Angle of Attack
• Part 107 Questions

Center of Gravity (CG)

• Definition: The point where the total weight of the aircraft is evenly distributed.
• Importance: Significantly impacts an aircraft's stability and controllability.
• Responsibility: Determined by the manufacturer using special scales and reference points.
• Location: Typically slightly forward of the center of lift.
• Effects of CG Location:
  • Too far forward: Aircraft becomes nose heavy.
  • Too far aft: Aircraft becomes tail heavy.
• Exam Tip: Changing CG beyond design limits negatively affects performance (more difficult maneuvering, higher takeoff/landing speeds, lower stall speed).

Load Factor

• Definition: The amount of force (G forces) an aircraft experiences during maneuvers.
• Impacts: Performance, structural integrity, and safety.
• Key Concept: Not related to lift-to-weight ratio or takeoff performance.
• Analogy: Similar to the forces you feel in a car during turns (increased G forces).
• Calculation:
  • Use the load factor chart in the Airman knowledge supplement.
  • Example: A 60° bank angle doubles the load factor to 2.0 (from 1.0 at 0°).
• Exam Question Example: Load factor increases any time an aircraft performs maneuvers other than straight and level flight.

Structural Integrity and Load Factor

• Importance: Ensures aircraft can support increased weight during banking or turning.
• Calculation: Aircraft's weight multiplied by load factor G-force.
• Example: A 50 lb aircraft at a 40° bank angle needs to support 65 lbs.

Stall Speed

• Definition: Minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain level flight without stalling.
• Relation to Load Factor: More weight = higher stall speed.
• Exam Question Example: Stall speed increases as the aircraft's weight increases.

Critical Angle of Attack

• Definition: Maximum angle between the wing's chord line and the relative wind before stall.
• Key Characteristics:
  • Remains constant regardless of speed, weight, or altitude.
  • Exceeding this angle results in a stall due to airflow separation.
• Critical Angle: Usually around 17° to 20° for most aircraft.
• Exam Question Example: What happens when an aircraft exceeds the critical angle of attack? It stalls.

Conclusion

• Upcoming Video Topics: CRM, single pilot resource management, risk management, human factors, and decision-making for Part 107 exam.
• Preparation Advice: Understanding these concepts is crucial for passing the Part 107 exam.