Which force increases load factor in a turn?

• A. centrifugal force
• B. gravity
• C. drag
• D. thrust

Answer: (A)

In a turn the airplane must change direction, which requires a sideways force toward the turn’s center (centripetal force). To keep the wings from losing contact with the air, the total lift the wings produce must increase so that the vertical component still balances weight while enough lift is generated to provide the horizontal (centripetal) component for turning. In the rotating frame of reference, you also feel an outward tendency—the centrifugal force—which effectively adds to the load the wings must support. This combination makes the lift rise relative to weight, increasing the load factor (lift divided by weight). Gravity stays the same, and drag or thrust don’t inherently raise the load factor in a coordinated turn.