What is the load factor experienced during a 60 degree angle of bank turn?

In a banked turn, the load factor is influenced by the angle of bank. Specifically, when an aircraft is in a turn, the load factor can be calculated using the formula for load factor, which is defined as the ratio of the lift generated by the wings to the weight of the aircraft. The load factor increases as the angle of bank increases.

In a level turn, as the angle of bank increases, the vertical lift component decreases because some of the lift is directed horizontally to provide the necessary centripetal force for the turn. At a 60-degree angle of bank, the load factor can be derived from the following relationship:

Load Factor (n) = 1 / cos(θ)

Where θ is the angle of bank. For a 60-degree angle, the cosine of 60 degrees is 0.5. Thus:

Load Factor (n) = 1 / 0.5 = 2

This means that during a 60-degree angle of bank turn, the aircraft experiences a load factor of 2G. Essentially, the pilots and passengers feel twice their normal weight due to the increased gravitational force acting upon them as a result of the maneuver. Understanding load factors in such scenarios is crucial for safe flight operations