Load factor

Definitions

• The ratio of the load supported by the airplane’s wings to the actual weight of the aircraft and its contents. Also referred to as G-loading.
• The ratio of the maximum load an aircraft can sustain to the total weight of the aircraft. Normal category aircraft must have a load factor of a least 3.8; utility category aircraft, 4.4; and acrobatic category aircraft, 6.0.
• The ratio of a specified load weight to the total weight of the aircraft.
• The ratio of a specified load to the total weight of the aircraft. The specified load is expressed in terms of any of the following: aerodynamic forces, inertial forces, or ground or water reactions.
• The ratio of a specified load to the total weight of the aircraft. The specified load is expressed in terms of any of the following: aerodynamic forces, inertial forces, or ground or water reactions. Also referred to as G-loading.
• The ratio of a specified load to the total weight of the aircraft.

References

• Airplane Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2021
• Helicopter Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2019
• Instrument Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2014
• Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2000
• Weight and Balance Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2016
• Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook, Federal Aviation Administration, 2008