AerodynamicsManoeuvres
Load Factor
Load factor is the ratio between the effective or apparent weight of an aeroplane and its actual weight, and is expressed in units of g. Load factor increases significantly during manoeuvres such as steep level turns.
Key Points
- •Increasing load factor directly increases the stall speed (IAS) during level turns.
- •Load factor is associated with the g force experienced by the aircraft and its occupants during flight.
- •Exceeding the aircraft's design load factor limits can cause structural damage.
Exam Relevance
Pilots must know how load factor affects stall speed and the structural limits of the aircraft to avoid overstressing the airframe.
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