Quick Facts
- Type
- Aerodynamic Metric
- Definition
- The ratio of total lift to aircraft weight, expressed in G units
- Used By
- Pilots, Engineers
Definition#
Load factor is the ratio of the lift generated by the aircraft to its actual weight. In level, unaccelerated flight the load factor is 1G. In a banked turn, turbulence encounter, or pull-up, load factor increases.
Why It Matters Operationally#
Load factor directly increases effective stall speed by the square root of the load factor. A 60° banked turn doubles the load factor (2G), increasing stall speed by approximately 41%.
Related Guides#
- What Is a Stall?
- How Airplanes Fly — The Complete Aviation Fundamentals Guide
- Weight & Balance Explained
- What Is Turbulence?
- Control Surfaces Explained (Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator)
- Density Altitude Explained