The load factor for a 60-degree banked turn is how many Gs?

The load factor for a 60-degree banked turn is how many Gs?

• A. 1 G
• B. 2 G
• C. 3 G
• D. 4 G

Answer: (B)

In a level, coordinated turn the load factor is the lift divided by weight. The vertical force balance says lift cos(bank angle) equals weight, so n = L/W = 1/cos(bank angle). For a 60-degree bank, cos(60°) = 0.5, giving n = 1/0.5 = 2. So the load factor is 2 G. This means occupants feel twice their normal weight. The centripetal requirement grows with bank angle, but the actual load factor comes from needing lift to both support the aircraft and provide the turn, which at 60 degrees results in 2 G.

In a level, coordinated turn the load factor is the lift divided by weight. The vertical force balance says lift cos(bank angle) equals weight, so n = L/W = 1/cos(bank angle). For a 60-degree bank, cos(60°) = 0.5, giving n = 1/0.5 = 2. So the load factor is 2 G. This means occupants feel twice their normal weight. The centripetal requirement grows with bank angle, but the actual load factor comes from needing lift to both support the aircraft and provide the turn, which at 60 degrees results in 2 G.