Aviation & Aeronautics
Intermediate

Load Factor in a Turn

The g-load in a level, coordinated turn depends only on the bank angle.

Formula

n=1cos⁡ϕn = \dfrac{1}{\cos\phi}

Variables

nLoad factor (g)
\phiBank angle

Example

60° bank: n = 1/cos60° = 2 g

Did You Know?

A steep 60° bank doubles the load factor to 2 g — you and the aircraft effectively weigh twice as much.

load factorturnbankg-force