Definition
A cockpit instrument that displays the electrical load being supplied by the generator or alternator, expressed as a percentage of its rated output or in amperes. It shows how much current the electrical system is drawing from the generator at any given moment.
Plain English
A gauge that shows how hard the generator is working to power everything electrical in the aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen on the instrument panel during electrical system checks and when troubleshooting a generator failure.
Derivation
‘Load’ here means electrical demand — the amount of current being drawn by the aircraft’s systems. ‘Meter’ simply means a measuring device. So a load meter measures electrical demand on the generator.
Why Pilots Care
Reveals whether the generator is overloaded, underperforming, or has failed, directly affecting decisions about battery life and essential systems.
Intuition Check
Do not read “load” here as passengers, baggage, or aircraft weight. On a load meter, “load” means electrical demand.
Example Sentence 1
After starting the engine, the pilot checked the load meter and confirmed the generator was carrying the electrical load.
Example Sentence 2
With the load meter showing normal draw, the crew ruled out an electrical overload as the cause of the low voltage.