Load Factor

The load factor is measured in Gs, a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity on a body at rest and indicates the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated. Any force applied to an aircraft to deflect its flight from a straight line produces a force on its structure. The amount of this force is the load factor. While a course in aerodynamics is not a prerequisite for obtaining a pilot’s license, a competent pilot should have a solid understanding of the forces that act on the aircraft, the advantageous use of these forces, and the operating limitations of the aircraft being flown.

For example, a load factor of 3 means the total load on an aircraft’s structure is three times its weight. Since load factors are expressed in terms of Gs, a load factor of 3 may be spoken of as 3 Gs, or a load factor of 4 as 4 Gs. If an aircraft is pulled up from a dive, subjecting the pilot to 3 Gs, he or she would be pressed down into the seat with a force equal to three times his or her weight.

With the structural design of aircraft planned to withstand only a certain amount of load, the knowledge of load factors has become essential for all pilots. Load factors are important for two reasons:

  • It is possible for a pilot to impose a dangerous overload on the aircraft structures
  • An increased load factor increases the stalling speed and makes stalls possible at seemingly safe flight speeds

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