Definition of Load Factor (LF)
Load factor (LF) measures the utilization of available capacity on an aircraft and is expressed as a percentage of the total seats filled. It is calculated by dividing the revenue passenger miles by the available seat miles.
LF determines the level of loading on an aircraft during flight and is a crucial factor in aviation safety. It is compared to gravity and expressed as a factor of gravity, with 1g being the standardised acceleration at sea level on land.
During steep turns and abrupt maneuvers, load factor increases, placing additional stresses on the aircraft’s structure and components. Therefore, understanding and monitoring LF is critical to avoid exceeding the aircraft’s design limits, which could result in structural failure or loss of control.
In summary, LF is an essential metric in aviation that measures the utilization of available capacity, compares it to gravity, and plays a vital role in flight safety.
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