FAA Ground School Practice Test

Which basic flight maneuver increases the load factor on an airplane as compared to straight-and-level flight?

1. Climbing flight

2. Descend flight

3. Turns

4. Straight flight

The correct answer is: Turns

In a turn, the load factor on an airplane increases compared to straight-and-level flight due to the need to counteract the forces acting on the aircraft. When an airplane enters a turn, it must generate additional lift to maintain altitude. This is because the aircraft’s weight is acting downward due to gravity, while the centripetal force required to turn the aircraft pulls it towards the center of the turn. To maintain altitude while turning, the pilot must increase the angle of attack, which in turn requires increased lift. As lift increases, so does the load factor, meaning that the airplane experiences a higher level of stress and weight than in straight-and-level flight. A load factor greater than 1g (gravity) is commonly experienced during turns, establishing the premise that the aircraft feels heavier and has to manage these increased forces effectively. In contrast, climbing and descending flights do alter load factors but primarily due to changes in thrust and gravity rather than lateral forces like those in a turn. Straight flight does not change the load factor at all, as it maintains a constant attitude and doesn’t involve any lateral forces.