The load factor is measured in what units (acceleration of gravity)?

• A. Meters per Second Squared
• B. Gs
• C. Radians
• D. Pounds

Answer: (B)

The load factor is a measure of how many times the force of gravity the airplane experiences, expressed as multiples of standard gravity. It is defined as the total acceleration acting on the aircraft divided by g, so it’s given in units of g’s (Gs). In practice, 1 g means normal level flight, 2 g means you’re loading the aircraft with twice the gravitational acceleration, and so on. While acceleration can be measured in meters per second squared, the load factor is a ratio to g and is therefore expressed in g’s. Radians are for angles, not forces, and pounds are a unit of force, not a ratio of accelerations.