Drone exam · Payloads, dangerous goods, and special operations

A small package is suspended below the drone on a long line. Why is its mass alone insufficient for planning?

Answer

The load can swing, lag behind turns, change centre of gravity dynamically, increase drag, and couple into aircraft motion. Use an approved load and flight envelope with appropriate training and margins.

Explanation

A moving payload can destabilize the aircraft even when static mass limits are respected.