A remote pilot mounts a thermal camera 4 inches to the left of center on a drone's payload rail to clear a cable obstruction. During a hover test, the drone tilts noticeably to the left and requires continuous right correction from the flight controller. What is the correct assessment?

Question

Accepted Answer

The off-center camera has shifted the center of gravity, requiring asymmetric motor thrust to maintain level flight: this reduces control margins and battery life, and the payload should be recentered.. An off-center payload shifts the aircraft's center of gravity laterally, requiring the flight controller to continuously command asymmetric motor thrust to maintain level attitude. This increases stress on the high-output motors, reduces battery life, degrades emergency control margins, and may reduce camera stability. A visible and persistent tilt indicates the offset exceeds acceptable operational limits.

Answer

The tilt is normal: all drones develop a lean during thermal operations due to motor temperature differential.

Answer

The flight controller automatically compensates for CG shift: as long as the drone can maintain level flight, the offset is acceptable for operations.