How is load factor typically expressed?

Load factor is typically expressed as the ratio of the lift being generated by an aircraft to the pull of gravity acting on that aircraft. This concept is critical in aviation since it helps determine the structural loads on the aircraft during various maneuvers, particularly turns or when experiencing turbulence.

When an aircraft is in level flight at a steady altitude, the load factor is 1 (or 1G), meaning the lift equals the weight (gravity). During a turn, however, the pilot must increase the angle of attack to maintain altitude, resulting in a load factor greater than 1. This increased load factor can affect the aircraft's performance and structural integrity, making understanding this measurement essential for safe flying practices.

The other options do not accurately or completely convey the meaning of load factor. For instance, expressing load factor as a percentage of total weight doesn't capture the relationship between lift and gravity. Presenting it as airspeed or total lift generated fails to clarify how these elements relate to the forces acting on the aircraft and does not define load factor effectively.