What safety factor does the FAA design factor impose on category load factors?

The safety factor imposed by the FAA on category load factors is 1.5 times. This means that the aircraft must be able to safely handle loads that are 1.5 times the maximum load factors that are specified for different categories of aircraft. This factor is critical in ensuring that aircraft can withstand various forces during flight, such as turbulence, maneuvers, and those encountered during emergency situations. The inclusion of this margin ensures structural integrity and helps to prevent failure during operation, thereby enhancing safety.

This design factor applies specifically to the load factors outlined for the various categories of aircraft, which include Normal, Utility, Aerobatic, and others, ensuring that all aircraft within these categories are constructed with an appropriate safety buffer.