What factor primarily influences the load factor in an aircraft?

The load factor in an aircraft is fundamentally influenced by the weight of the aircraft, which includes both its empty weight and the weight of fuel, passengers, and cargo. It is defined as the ratio of the lift generated by the aircraft to its weight. When an aircraft is loaded with more weight, the amount of lift that must be generated to maintain level flight increases correspondingly.

For effective flight operations, understanding the relationship between weight and lift is crucial, as exceeding the aircraft's weight limits can lead to performance issues such as reduced climb rates and longer takeoff distances. Thus, the weight of the aircraft directly impacts the load factor and its corresponding performance metrics in various phases of flight.