Which basic flight maneuver increases the load factor on an airplane as compared to straight-and-level flight?

The option that identifies the maneuver which increases the load factor on an airplane compared to straight-and-level flight is turns. When an airplane is in a turn, the lift must increase to counteract the additional forces acting on the aircraft due to the change in flight path.

In straight-and-level flight, the load factor is typically 1G, which represents the gravitational force acting on the aircraft. However, during a turn, the load factor can increase significantly, often exceeding 1G, depending on the angle of bank used in the maneuver. The steeper the turn (i.e., the greater the bank angle), the more lift is required to maintain altitude, leading to a larger load factor.

This relationship arises from the physics of flight where it is essential for the aircraft to generate enough lift not just to counteract its weight but also to provide the necessary centripetal force needed for the turn. Therefore, as the bank increases, pilots must understand that the load factor increases, which can impact the aircraft's performance and pilot workload.

In contrast, climbs and dives primarily affect the vertical component of flight but do not inherently change the horizontal load factor in the same way that turns do. Stalls occur when the aircraft exceeds its critical angle