What is the load factor at straight and level flight?

In straight and level flight, the aircraft is cruising at a constant altitude and maintaining a constant airspeed without any changes in the flight path. The load factor is defined as the ratio of the lift generated by the aircraft to the weight of the aircraft. Under these conditions, the lift produced exactly balances the weight, resulting in a load factor of 1G, which is equivalent to the force of gravity acting on the aircraft.

When the load factor is 1G during straight and level flight, this means that the aircraft is not experiencing any additional vertical acceleration beyond that of gravity. For example, when an aircraft is in a turn, climb, or descent, the load factor changes as the lift needs to counteract not only the weight but also any additional forces acting on the aircraft. Therefore, in a straight and level flight situation, the load factor remains at 1G, indicating a stable state without any vertical acceleration.