Limit Load Factor
What is limit load factor?
The limit load factor is the maximum amount of stress (load factor) an aircraft can endure before structural damage or failure begins to occur. Load factor is expressed as a multiple of gravity, so a limit of 3.8 Gs means the structure can safely handle forces up to 3.8 times the aircraft's weight—exceed it and you risk bending or breaking the airframe. Think of it as the structural "speed limit": stay within it and the aircraft holds together; go beyond it and you've entered damage territory.
Also known as: limit load, load factor limit
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