Load Factor In A Turn Calculator

Work out load factor in a turn instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Load Factor In A Turn Calculator

In a level turn lift must both support the weight and turn the aircraft, so load factor equals 1 divided by the cosine of the bank angle: 1.41 g at 45 degrees, 2 g at 60 degrees. Stall speed rises with the square root of load factor, so a 60 degree bank raises stall speed by 41%.

Formula

Load factor in a turn

n = 1 / cos(bank); stall speed in turn = Vs x sqrt(n)

Worked example

With the default values below, Load Factor In A Turn Calculator returns Load factor of 1.41. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Bank angle: 45 °
Aircraft weight: 1,100 kg
1g stall speed: 52 kt

Results

Load factor: 1.41 g
Effective wing loading: 1,555.60 kg
Stall speed in the turn: 61.84 kt
Additional lift required: 41.4% %

Step by step

1Values used
2Load factor in a turn
3Load factor= 1.41 g
4Effective wing loading= 1,555.60 kg
5Stall speed in the turn= 61.84 kt
6Additional lift required= 41.4 %

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does stall speed rise with bank?

Stall happens at a fixed maximum lift coefficient. More lift required means a higher speed is needed to generate it, and lift scales with the square of speed.

What bank angle doubles the load factor?

60 degrees gives exactly 2 g. Beyond that the curve steepens sharply — 75 degrees is nearly 4 g.