Definition
The gross weight of an aircraft divided by the rated horsepower of its engine, expressed in pounds per horsepower (lb/hp). Power loading is a key indicator of an aircraft's takeoff performance, rate of climb, and overall power-to-weight relationship. A lower power loading number means more horsepower is available for each pound of aircraft weight, which generally produces better climb and acceleration performance.
Plain English
How many pounds of aircraft each horsepower has to carry. Fewer pounds per horsepower means a livelier, better-climbing airplane; more pounds per horsepower means a heavier workload for the engine and weaker performance.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft performance discussions, aircraft specifications, and comparisons of takeoff and climb ability.
Derivation
From 'power' (the engine's horsepower) and 'loading' (how much weight is placed on something). Together: how much weight is loaded onto each unit of engine power.
Why Pilots Care
Affects takeoff distance, climb rate, and overall performance; higher values mean the airplane needs more runway and climbs more slowly.
Analogy
Think of each horsepower as a person pushing a cart. If each person has less weight to push, the cart can speed up and climb a hill more easily.
Intuition Check
Power loading is not an electrical load and not the power setting selected by the pilot. It is a comparison between aircraft weight and available engine power.
Example Sentence 1
With full fuel and four people on board, the aircraft's power loading increased, and the pilot noticed a noticeably slower climb after takeoff.
Example Sentence 2
Lower power loading gives better climb performance when the airplane is heavily loaded.