If the bank angle is fixed but airspeed increases, the load factor in a level turn will do what?

If the bank angle is fixed but airspeed increases, the load factor in a level turn will do what?

• A. Increases
• B. Remains the same
• C. Decreases
• D. Varies

Answer: (B)

In a level coordinated turn, the lift vector is tilted by the bank angle, and the vertical component of lift must balance the aircraft’s weight. That means L cos(phi) = W, so the lift magnitude is L = W / cos(phi). The load factor is L/W, which becomes 1 / cos(phi). This depends only on the bank angle, not on airspeed. So, if the bank angle is fixed, increasing airspeed does not change the required lift-to-weight ratio to stay level—the load factor remains the same. Speed will change how fast you’re turning (turn rate) and the turn radius, but not the load factor itself.

In a level coordinated turn, the lift vector is tilted by the bank angle, and the vertical component of lift must balance the aircraft’s weight. That means L cos(phi) = W, so the lift magnitude is L = W / cos(phi). The load factor is L/W, which becomes 1 / cos(phi). This depends only on the bank angle, not on airspeed. So, if the bank angle is fixed, increasing airspeed does not change the required lift-to-weight ratio to stay level—the load factor remains the same. Speed will change how fast you’re turning (turn rate) and the turn radius, but not the load factor itself.