What is the standard factor of safety applied for aircraft?

In the context of aerospace engineering, the standard factor of safety typically applied to aircraft structures is around 1.5. This value is established considering various safety and performance requirements in the aviation industry, where the consequences of failure can be catastrophic.

A factor of safety of 1.5 means that the structures are designed to handle loads that are 1.5 times greater than what they are expected to encounter during normal operations. This provides a margin against uncertainties in material properties, variability in load conditions, and unforeseen stresses.

In aircraft applications, achieving a balance between structural integrity and weight efficiency is crucial due to the significant implications for performance and fuel efficiency. The factor of safety is designed to meet the necessary safety standards while minimizing excessive weight, which is vital in aviation.

In contrast, options with lower factors of safety, such as those in the other choices, would not provide the necessary assurance for the safety and stability required in aircraft operation, making them inadequate for such critical applications.