If the angle of bank is held constant in a level turn, what happens to the load factor when the rate of turn is varied?

Study for your Commercial Ground – Basic Aerodynamics Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and hints. Excel in your aerodynamics knowledge!

In a level turn with a constant angle of bank, the load factor, or G-force experienced by the aircraft, remains constant regardless of changes in the rate of turn. This is because the load factor is primarily determined by the angle of bank and the gravitational force acting on the aircraft.

When the aircraft banks to execute a turn, centrifugal force acts on it, creating an increase in load factor proportional to the sine of the bank angle. As long as the bank angle is held constant, the generated load factor does not change, regardless of how fast the aircraft is turning. Variations in the rate of turn, whether it increases or decreases, do not affect the load factor as long as the angle remains unchanged.

This principle emphasizes the relationship between bank angle and load factor, showcasing that altering the rate of turn impacts only aspects like radius and speed, not the load experienced by the aircraft. Consequently, the load factor remains constant in this scenario, confirming that the relationship holds true in level flight with a fixed bank angle.

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