Definition
The maximum load factors, expressed as multiples of the aircraft's weight (in Gs), that an aircraft is certified to withstand without permanent deformation of its structure. For normal category airplanes, the positive limit load factor is +3.8 G and the negative limit is -1.52 G; utility category is +4.4 G / -1.76 G; acrobatic category is +6.0 G / -3.0 G.
Plain English
The most G-force an aircraft is officially built to handle in normal use without bending or warping its structure. Stay within these limits and the aircraft stays sound; exceed them and you risk damaging the airframe.
Context Anchor
Seen in load factor, maneuvering speed, turbulence, steep turn, and aircraft limitations discussions.
Derivation
Limit' from Latin limes, meaning a boundary or edge. 'Load factor' refers to the ratio of total load on the aircraft to its weight. Together: the boundary of structural load the aircraft is certified to take.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding these limits can damage the airframe even if the airplane does not immediately break apart.
Intuition Check
Do not read “limit” as a suggested operating range or performance goal. Here it means a structural boundary. Do not read “load” as baggage or cargo. Here it means the force placed on the airplane in flight.
Example Sentence 1
Because we were operating in the normal category, our limit load factor was +3.8 G, so I kept the bank angle moderate during the steep turn.
Example Sentence 2
The positive limit load factor for this normal-category airplane is 3.8 Gs.