FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)Aerodynamics and PerformanceEasy
A pilot is executing a steep, coordinated turn at a 60° bank angle while maintaining altitude. What load factor is the airplane experiencing?
- A1.5 G
- B3.0 G
- C2.5 G
- D2.0 G
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 2.0 G
Load factor in a level, coordinated turn equals 1/cos(bank angle). For 60°, cos(60°)=0.5, so load factor = 1/0.5 = 2.0 G.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This value corresponds to roughly a 48° bank, not 60°.
- B. 3.0 G corresponds to about a 70.5° bank.
- C. 2.5 G corresponds to a steeper bank near 66°.
Load Factor in a Level Turn
The load factor (G-force) in a coordinated, constant-altitude turn is calculated as 1 divided by the cosine of the bank angle.
- Formula: n = 1/cos(bank angle)
- 30° bank = 1.15 G
- 45° bank = 1.41 G
- 60° bank = 2.0 G
Memory trick: Steeper bank, heavier back (into your seat)!