22.22 Turning

22.22.2 Explain how the required turning (centripetal) force is generated.

The required turning (centripetal) force is generated during aircraft maneuvers by the lift produced by the wings.

When the pilot wants to change the direction of the aircraft, they need to bank the airplane, meaning to tilt it to one side.

This banking action causes the lift generated by the wings to have a horizontal component inwards towards the center of the turn.

This inward component of the lift acts as the centripetal force required to keep the aircraft in a curved path.

22.22.4 Define load factor.

When an aircraft is maneuvering and the wing generates additional lift, the pilot experiences a force pushing them into the seat.

This force is known as the load factor, and it is a multiple of the pilot's normal weight.