A remote pilot arrives at a job planning to fly a standard RGB camera payload but the client asks for thermal imagery instead. The thermal camera is 180 grams heavier than the RGB camera. The drone's published maximum takeoff weight is 2,100 grams; with the RGB setup it sits at 1,990 grams. What should the pilot verify before accepting the swap?
Why →Maximum takeoff weight is only one limit. Payload position affects center of gravity; a thermal camera mounted at a different attachment point can shift CG even at legal total weight. Added mass also reduces flight time, affecting mission planning and battery margin. All three must be verified, not just the scale number.
The trap →The answer that only checks total weight assumes manufacturer certification of the payload covers all installations, but mounting position and additional brackets are the pilot's responsibility. The answer that nothing further is required treats payload as interchangeable when it is an airworthiness question.
Field note →For every new payload, do a short hover test at low altitude and observe whether the drone holds position without continuous correction. Persistent drift under calm conditions is a CG indicator.