Drone exam · UAS flight performance

A battery shows 35 percent remaining in a hover, but the voltage drops sharply when the pilot commands a fast climb. What should that tell the pilot?

Answer

The pack may have limited ability to deliver the required current. Avoid further high demand manoeuvres and recover with margin rather than trusting percentage alone.

Explanation

Battery percentage is an estimate. Under load, weak or cold cells can sag enough to trigger limits earlier than the displayed state of charge suggests.