A load factor of 1.2 means the total load on the airframe is how many times the gross weight?

A load factor of 1.2 means the total load on the airframe is how many times the gross weight?

• A. 1.2 times gross weight
• B. 1.2 times engine weight
• C. 0.8 times gross weight
• D. 2.0 times gross weight

Answer: (A)

Load factor is the ratio of the airframe’s total lift to its gross weight. In straight, unaccelerated flight lift equals weight, so the load factor is 1.0. When you maneuver, the wing must produce more lift to provide the required centripetal force, so the load factor increases. A load factor of 1.2 means the airframe is carrying a load equal to 1.2 times its gross weight—the wing is producing lift of 1.2 times the aircraft’s weight. The total structural load the airframe must withstand is therefore 1.2 times the gross weight.

Load factor is the ratio of the airframe’s total lift to its gross weight. In straight, unaccelerated flight lift equals weight, so the load factor is 1.0. When you maneuver, the wing must produce more lift to provide the required centripetal force, so the load factor increases. A load factor of 1.2 means the airframe is carrying a load equal to 1.2 times its gross weight—the wing is producing lift of 1.2 times the aircraft’s weight. The total structural load the airframe must withstand is therefore 1.2 times the gross weight.