What does the term "load factor" refer to in aviation?

The term "load factor" in aviation specifically refers to the ratio of the lift generated by an aircraft to its weight. This concept is crucial for understanding how aircraft are designed to perform under various flight conditions. When an aircraft is in level flight, the lift must equal the weight for the aircraft to maintain its altitude. If an aircraft experiences a load factor greater than 1 (for example, during turns or maneuvers), the lift generated must be greater than the weight, indicating that the aircraft is experiencing increased G-forces which affect its performance and structural limits.

Understanding load factor is essential for pilots to maintain safe flight operations, particularly during maneuvering, as excessive load factors can lead to structural failure or loss of control. The load factor is an important aspect of flight dynamics and performance evaluation in aviation safety practices.