Load factor Regulation
Load factor means the ratio of a specified load to the total weight of the aircraft. The specified load is expressed in terms of any of the following: aerodynamic forces, inertia forces, or ground or water reactions.
Also defined in 3 more sources
The ratio of the maximum load an aircraft can sustain to the total weight of the aircraft. Normal category aircraft must have a load factor of a least 3.8; utility category aircraft, 4.4; and acrobatic category aircraft, 6.0.
The ratio of a specified load weight to the total weight of the aircraft.
Guidance: Helicopter Flying Handbook, p. G-4
The ratio of a specified load to the total weight of the aircraft. The specified load is expressed in terms of any of the following: aerodynamic forces, inertial forces, or ground or water reactions.
Guidance: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, p. G-18