Question

Power loading of a prop driven aircraft is defined as _________

(a) weight of aircraft to the horsepower by prop engine

(b) weight of aircraft into the horsepower by prop engine

(c) horsepower by prop engine

(d) weight of aircraft

The question was posed to me during an internship interview.

The query is from Thrust Weight Ratio-1 in division Thrust-Weight Ratio and Wing Loading of Aircraft Design

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) weight of aircraft to the horsepower by prop engine

To explain I would say: Power loading will be defined as the ratio of weight of the aircraft to the power; typically horsepower produced by prop engine. It will impact on acceleration, climb, maximum speed etc. In general, it varies from 10-20.