Which performance parameter is described as lower due to overweight?

• A. Rate of climb
• B. Angle of climb
• C. Takeoff speed
• D. Stall speed

Answer: (A)

When a drone is heavier, the overall load it has to lift increases. To climb, the aircraft needs excess power beyond what’s just required to maintain level flight. With more weight, more power is consumed simply to stay level, leaving less available to gain altitude. That reduction in excess power shows up as a lower vertical speed—the rate of climb. So overweight directly dampens how quickly the drone can climb upward.

Takeoff speed and stall speed tend to rise with weight because you need more lift to support the heavier wing loading, and you have less margin before stalling. The angle of climb is related to rate of climb and forward speed, but the most noticeable and direct effect of overweight is the reduced rate of climb.