What causes the load factor on an airplane to increase?

The correct choice involves understanding the relationship between airplane maneuvers and load factor. In aviation, the load factor is defined as the ratio of the lift generated by the airplane to its weight. When an airplane makes abrupt changes in attitude or performs steep turns, the angle of bank increases, resulting in a higher demand for lift to counteract the increased gravitational pull experienced during these maneuvers.

For instance, in a steep turn, the lift must not only counteract the weight of the aircraft but also provide the necessary centripetal force to maintain the turn. This requires increasing the angle of attack, which leads to an increase in the lift generated. Consequently, this results in a load factor that can exceed 1g, meaning the aircraft experiences a resultant force greater than its own weight.

In contrast, other scenarios such as flying in calm air or conducting straight and level flight do not impose additional loads on the aircraft beyond its weight. Reducing throttle during a climb may decrease the overall lift available but does not cause the load factor to increase; rather, it can lead to a lower load factor if the aircraft is not actively maintaining climb performance. Thus, the load factor specifically increases during maneuvers that require significant changes in speed, direction, or