On a V-n diagram, what does the load factor limit represent?

• A. It marks the maximum positive G the structure can withstand.
• B. It marks the maximum negative G the structure can withstand.
• C. It marks the altitude where stall occurs.
• D. It marks the maximum positive and negative G the structure can withstand; exceeding it risks structural damage.

Answer: (D)

The load factor limit on a V-n diagram defines the maximum G-load the airframe can safely withstand in either direction. The diagram plots speed versus load factor (Gs), and the boundary lines mark the positive and negative limit load factors. Staying inside this envelope means structural stresses remain within what the aircraft is designed to tolerate; pushing beyond the positive limit means the airframe could be overstressed upward, while exceeding the negative limit risks damage from downward or inverted loads. In short, it’s the safety threshold for both upward and downward G loads, and going outside it can lead to structural damage or failure.