What load factor corresponds to a bank angle of 60 degrees in flight?

In flight dynamics, the load factor indicates the amount of stress being placed on the aircraft in terms of gravitational force (G's). The relationship between the load factor and bank angle is derived from the principles of physics, specifically circular motion.

When an aircraft banks, it must generate lift that not only supports the weight of the aircraft but also provides the necessary centripetal force to maintain the turn. The load factor can be calculated using the formula:

Load factor (n) = 1 / cos(θ),

where θ is the bank angle. For a bank angle of 60 degrees, the cosine of 60 degrees is 0.5. Therefore, the load factor becomes:

n = 1 / 0.5 = 2.

This indicates that at 60 degrees of bank, the aircraft experiences 2 G's of load factor. However, it appears that the choices provided include a misunderstanding of the answer here as the correct response should align with the load factor of 2 G's rather than 4 G's.

It's crucial to accurately understand the relationship between bank angles and load factors for effective flight performance and safety. In most flight training and operational contexts, recognizing that a bank angle of 60 degrees corresponds to