As bank angle increases, the load factor in a coordinated turn increases.

• A. decreases
• B. remains the same
• C. increases
• D. becomes negative

Answer: (C)

As you bank more in a coordinated level turn, the lift vector tilts. To keep the aircraft from sinking or climbing, the vertical component of lift must balance weight, so the total lift must increase as the bank grows. Mathematically, vertical equilibrium gives L cos(phi) = W, so L = W / cos(phi). The load factor is L/W = 1 / cos(phi) = sec(phi). Since cos(phi) decreases as bank angle increases, the load factor increases.

For example, at a small bank the load factor is just over 1; at a 30-degree bank it’s about 1.15; at 60 degrees it’s 2.0. This is why tightening a turn (more bank) raises the load factor.

So the statement is correct: the load factor increases with bank angle.