In a level coordinated turn with a 60° bank, the load factor is how many times the gross weight?

In a level coordinated turn with a 60° bank, the load factor is how many times the gross weight?

• A. 1.0 times
• B. 2.0 times
• C. 1.5 times
• D. 2.5 times

Answer: (B)

In a level coordinated turn, lift must both balance the weight and provide the inward force for turning. The vertical balance gives L cos φ = W, where φ is the bank angle. So the load factor n, which is L/W, equals 1/cos φ. For a 60-degree bank, cos 60° is 0.5, so n = 1/0.5 = 2.0. That means the airplane loads about twice its gross weight in a level 60-degree turn. At shallower banks the load factor is smaller, and it increases with steeper banks.

In a level coordinated turn, lift must both balance the weight and provide the inward force for turning. The vertical balance gives L cos φ = W, where φ is the bank angle. So the load factor n, which is L/W, equals 1/cos φ. For a 60-degree bank, cos 60° is 0.5, so n = 1/0.5 = 2.0. That means the airplane loads about twice its gross weight in a level 60-degree turn. At shallower banks the load factor is smaller, and it increases with steeper banks.