Definition
The ratio of the total aerodynamic lift produced by the wings to the actual weight of the airplane. Expressed as a multiple of the airplane's weight (for example, 1G in level flight, 2G in a 60-degree banked level turn). It increases whenever the wings must produce more lift than the airplane's weight, such as during turns, pull-ups, or gust encounters.
Plain English
It is how many times its own weight the wings are currently lifting. In straight-and-level flight the wings lift exactly the airplane's weight (1G). In a steep turn or sharp pull-up they have to lift more, so the load factor goes up.
Context Anchor
You encounter this during turns and ground reference maneuvers, including the rectangular course, where changes in bank angle affect how much load the wings must carry.
Derivation
Aerodynamic' means produced by air moving over the wings. 'Load factor' means how much load the structure is carrying compared to its normal load. Together: how much the air-generated lift loads the airplane compared to its weight.
Why Pilots Care
Higher values raise stall speed and increase stress on the airframe, so pilots must limit bank angles to remain within safe operating margins.
Grounding Statement
In a level turn, the wings must both hold the airplane up and turn it, so they have to carry more than the airplane’s normal weight.
Intuition Check
Aerodynamic load factor is not the weight of passengers, fuel, or baggage. It is a multiplier showing how much load the airplane creates through flight forces, especially during turns.
Example Sentence 1
In a 60-degree banked level turn, the aerodynamic load factor is 2, meaning the wings are producing twice the airplane's weight in lift.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot keeps the aerodynamic load factor within limits by using a shallower bank angle when the airplane is heavy.