What should a Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) verify regarding aircraft loading before flight?

The verification of the aircraft's center of gravity is essential for ensuring safe flight operations. The center of gravity influences the aircraft's stability and control during flight. If the center of gravity is outside the specified limits, it can lead to adverse handling characteristics, making the aircraft difficult to control or even causing it to crash.

By checking the center of gravity before flight, the Remote Pilot in Command can ensure that the aircraft is loaded correctly, meaning that weight distribution is appropriate based on the design specifications. This consideration is particularly important when carrying payloads or when changes in fuel levels affect the overall balance.

While fuel levels, flight plan accuracy, and altitude restrictions are important factors in flight preparation, they do not directly impact the fundamental stability and controllability of the aircraft in the same way that the center of gravity does. Hence, ensuring that the center of gravity is within the acceptable range is a critical responsibility for the RPIC to maintain safe flight operations.