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Old 09-24-2002 | 03:01 PM
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xlr82v2
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From: Ellis Grove, IL
Default How many G's can I pull

It is easy to figure the G loading in a coordinated LEVEL TURN, if you have a calculator with trig functions.

Just use this formula:

1
------- = G , where G= g loading, and B= bank angle
cos B

So, on your calculator, punch in the bank angle, let's say 60 degrees. Next, hit the "cos" key. Then, hit the key marked "1/x". The number now in the screen is your G loading, which in this example, should be exactly 2.

Keep in mind this is just for a level turn (not climbing, not descending)

If you try to calculate G for a 90° bank angle, you will get an error, because at 90°, G could theoretically go to infinity. Also, a coordinated level turn is impossible at 90° bank angle.

G does not vary with airspeed or groundspeed for that matter either. For example, a 60° level turn is 2g. It is the same whether your speed is 30 mph or 200 mph. Your turn radius will increase with speed, but G will be the same.

I just thought this would be an interesting bit of knowledge to pass on to the non-engineers out there...(like me... I learned this in Private Pilot Ground school).