Plain English Meaning

A positive load factor is what you feel as extra weight pushing you down into your seat when the wings are working harder than usual — for example, in a steep turn or when pulling out of a dive.

Full Definition

Load factors in which the aerodynamic lift acting on the airplane is directed upward relative to the pilot, pressing the pilot down into the seat. Expressed as a multiple of the airplane's weight (in G's), a positive load factor greater than 1 occurs whenever the wings produce more lift than is needed to support the airplane in level flight, such as during a level turn or a pull-up from a dive.

Context Anchor

Seen in discussions of steep turns, pull-ups, emergency descents, and any where the airplane may be placed under extra .