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A load factor of one, or 1 g, represents conditions in straight and level flight, where the lift is equal to the weight. Load factors greater or less than one (or even negative) are the result of maneuvers or wind gusts.
What is Load Factor? Load factor can be thought of as how much the aircraft’s weight increases. No, it’s not possible to gain weight in mid-air. But forces other than just gravity are acting on an aircraft in flight, and those forces increase sometimes.
3 gru 2017 · The load factor is the total acceleration you feel, pointing downwards. In straight and level flight, the load factor is 1: you only feel the acceleration of gravity. So a load factor 1 equates to 9.81 m/s$^2$ (If gravity was higher, let's say 15 m/s$^2$. load factor 1 would equate to 15 m/s$^2$. But that's another story.) Image source
The ultimate load is the load factor applied to the aircraft beyond the limit load and at which point the aircraft material experiences structural failure (breakage). Load factors lower than the limit load can be sustained without compromising the integrity of the aircraft structure.
5 sie 2024 · The V-n diagram, or the “envelope of load factor against speed,” illustrates the maximum load factors that an aircraft can safely withstand at various speeds. The diagram typically shows load factor (n) on the vertical axis and equivalent airspeed (EAS) on the horizontal axis.
Understanding load factor is crucial not only for pilot training but also for anyone interested in the nuances of flight. It’s a fundamental concept that impacts safety, performance, and the structural integrity of aircraft.
Load factor is a measure of the load that an aircraft experiences in relation to its weight, expressed as a ratio or multiple of gravitational acceleration (g). It is crucial for understanding how much stress the aircraft's structure must withstand during different flight maneuvers and conditions.
