What does airplane loading during a level coordinated turn depend on?

Prepare for the Airline Transport Pilot Written Knowledge Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

During a level coordinated turn, the loading on the airplane primarily depends on the angle of bank. When an aircraft banks into a turn, the lift vector tilts with the aircraft. This tilting generates a horizontal component of lift that provides the necessary centripetal force to maintain the turn.

As the angle of bank increases, the lift must also increase to counteract the increased load factor that results from the turn. This load factor is expressed as the ratio of the total lift to the weight of the aircraft and increases with steeper bank angles. For instance, at 60 degrees of bank, the load factor can double, resulting in the aircraft experiencing a significant increase in loading against its weight.

While speed, weight, and altitude can influence aircraft performance and handling characteristics, the direct relationship between the angle of bank and load factor is crucial in understanding how loading is affected during level coordinated turns. Thus, the angle of bank is the key factor that determines the amount of loading experienced by the aircraft in this scenario.

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