If an aircraft with a gross weight of 3,000 lbs. were subjected to a total load of 7,500 lbs. in flight, what would the load factor be?

To determine the load factor, you divide the total load experienced by the aircraft in flight by its gross weight. In this scenario, the total load is 7,500 lbs, and the gross weight of the aircraft is 3,000 lbs.

The load factor can be calculated as follows:

Load Factor = Total Load / Gross Weight = 7,500 lbs / 3,000 lbs = 2.5.

This result indicates that the aircraft is experiencing a load of 2.5 times its own weight, which can be understood as the force the aircraft experiences during flight maneuvers, particularly in turns or during turbulence. The term "Gs" refers to gravity, so in this context, a load factor of 2.5 Gs means that the forces acting on the aircraft are equivalent to 2.5 times the weight of the aircraft itself.

Understanding load factors is crucial for safety and performance, as exceeding certain load factors can lead to structural stress or failure. The application of physics in aircraft operations illustrates how critical it is for dispatchers and pilots to know the limits of their aircraft.