How Does Load Factor Change

In an airplane, however, you and the airplane can feel like you weigh more than your actual weight. This occurs when the airplane turns or the angle of attack suddenly increases (as it does in turbulence). This increase in apparent weight is called an increase in “G-force” or “load factor.”

How does load factor increase?

Any force applied to an aircraft to deflect its flight from a straight line produces a stress on its structure; the amount of this force is termed load factor. … As the bank steepens, the horizontal lift component increases, centrifugal force increases, and the load factor increases.

Does load factor change with weight?

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.