Plain English Meaning

When an aircraft turns, it doesn't just steer — it banks, and the lift from the wings starts pulling sideways as well as up. To keep from sinking, the pilot must produce more total lift, which makes the aircraft feel heavier and changes how it handles.

Full Definition

The aerodynamic and inertial forces acting on an aircraft during a turn, in which the horizontal component of lift pulls the aircraft into the curved path while the vertical component of lift continues to support its weight. Because lift must be divided between these two roles, total lift must increase during a turn to maintain altitude, which in turn increases load factor and stall speed.

Context Anchor

Seen when learning banked turns, steep turns, in turns, and why a often needs more in a .