What does “greater than 1 G” indicate in aircraft performance?

When an aircraft experiences “greater than 1 G,” it indicates that the forces acting on the aircraft exceed the normal gravitational force, which is equivalent to 1 G. This typically occurs during various maneuvers, such as sharp turns, climbs, or descents where the aircraft must generate additional lift or undergo acceleration beyond what is required to simply counteract the force of gravity.

Exceeding 1 G means that not only is the weight of the aircraft being supported by lift, but additional forces are also being exerted on the aircraft due to acceleration. For instance, during a high-performance turn, the pilot might pull back on the control yoke, increasing the angle of attack and resulting in higher lift, thereby increasing the G forces felt by both the aircraft and the pilot.

This enhanced maneuvering capability is crucial for aerobatics or high-speed flight where aircraft performance and response play a significant role. It demonstrates the aircraft's ability to handle forces smoothly and efficiently beyond just maintaining level flight, which is why this choice accurately represents what “greater than 1 G” indicates in terms of aircraft performance.