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For a given gust speed and aircraft TAS, what is the impact of the lift curve’s slope on the gust load factor?
  • A
    The steeper the lift curve’s slope, the greater the gust load factor.
  • B
    The steeper the lift curve’s slope, the smaller the gust load factor.
  • C
    The lift curve’s slope has no impact on the gust load factor.
  • D
    The shallower the lift curve’s slope, the greater the gust load factor.

Refer to figures.
Vertical gusts will affect the load factor (n) by changing the angle of attack of the wing.
For a given gust speed and aircraft TAS, the increment in the load factor depends on the increase in CL per change in angle of attack due to the gust (the slope of the lift curve). If the lift curve has a steep slope, the ‘g’ increment will be greater. Factors which affect the lift curve are aspect ratio and wing sweep.
Wings having a low aspect ratio, or sweep, will have a lower lift curve slope, and so will give a smaller increase in ‘g’ when meeting a given gust at a given TAS.

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