USI sUAS Safety Certification Level 1 Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

When an unmanned aircraft is overweight, it typically experiences a decrease in maneuverability. This is due to the additional weight affecting the aircraft's ability to respond swiftly and accurately to control inputs. Overweight conditions lead to increased inertia, which means that the aircraft takes longer to accelerate, decelerate, and change direction.

Additionally, the aircraft's control surfaces may become less effective, as they are designed to operate within specific weight limits. This reduced effectiveness hampers the pilot's ability to execute precise maneuvers, making the aircraft less agile overall. The added weight can also put extra strain on the motors and battery, further impacting performance and response times, ultimately leading to a decrease in the overall agility and maneuverability of the aircraft during flight.

The other options present effects that would be unlikely in an overweight scenario. For instance, improved battery life would not be expected, as increased weight typically leads to a quicker depletion of power reserves due to the increased energy required to maintain flight.