Load Factor in a Turn
The g-load in a level, coordinated turn depends only on the bank angle.
Formula
Variables
Example
60° bank: n = 1/cos60° = 2 g
How it works
In a coordinated level turn, the lift from the wings must do two jobs at once: it must support the aircraft’s weight and also provide the inward force needed to bend the flight path. As the bank angle increases, only part of the lift points upward, so total lift must increase by a factor of 1/cosc6 to keep altitude, which is why the load factor rises with bank angle. This relationship assumes the turn is level and coordinated, with no climb or descent and no slipping or skidding.
When to use it
Use this formula when you need the g-load in a level, coordinated turn, such as when analyzing maneuvering limits, passenger comfort, or structural loads on an aircraft. It is especially useful in flight training, aerodynamics problems, and performance calculations.
Worked example, step by step
Suppose an aircraft is in a 45 b0 banked level turn. Step 1: Write the formula: n = 1 / cosc6 Step 2: Substitute c6 = 45 b0: n = 1 / cos 45 b0 Step 3: Evaluate the cosine: cos 45 b0 3d 0.7071 Step 4: Compute the load factor: n = 1 / 0.7071 3d 1.414 Step 5: State the result: the aircraft experiences about 1.41 g in the turn.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using this formula for climbing or descending turns, where the load factor is not given only by bank angle
- Forgetting that the angle must be in degrees or radians consistent with the calculator setting
- Confusing load factor with turn rate or turn radius, which are related but not the same quantity
Did You Know?
A steep 60° bank doubles the load factor to 2 g — you and the aircraft effectively weigh twice as much.
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