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and encounters turbulence, the dihedral provides positive lateral stability by providing more lift for the lower wing and reducing the lift on the raised wing. As one wing lowers, it becomes closer to perpendicular to the surface and level. Because it is closer to level and perpendicular to the weight force, the lift produced directly opposes the force of weight. This must be instantly compared to the higher and now more canted wing referenced to the force of weight. The higher wing’s lift relative to the force of weight is now less because of the vector angle. This imbalance of lift causes the lower wing to rise as the higher descends until lift equalizes, resulting in level flight. [Figure 3-24] 

## Turning Flight 

Before a glider turns, it must first overcome inertia, or its tendency to continue in a straight line. A pilot creates the necessary turning force by using the ailerons to bank the glider so that the direction of total lift is inclined. This divides the force of lift into two components; one component acts vertically to oppose weight, while the other acts horizontally to oppose centrifugal force. The latter is the horizontal component of lift. [Figure 3-25] 

To maintain attitude with the horizon during a turn, glider pilots need to increase back pressure on the control stick. The horizontal component of lift creates a force directed inward toward the center of rotation, which is known as c entripetal force. [Figure 3-26]  This center-seeking force causes the glider to turn. Since centripetal force works against the tendency of the aircraft to continue in a straight line, inertia tends to oppose centripetal force toward the outside of the turn. This opposing force is known as centrifugal force. In reality, centrifugal force is not a true aerodynamic force; it is an apparent force that results from the effect of inertia during the turn. 

## Load Factors 

The preceding sections only briefly considered some of the practical points of the principles of turning flight. However, with the responsibilities of the pilot and the safety of passengers, the competent pilot must have a well-founded concept of the forces that act on the glider during turning flight and the advantageous use of these forces, as well as the operating limitations of the particular glider. Any force applied to a glider to deflect its flight from a straight line produces a stress on its structure; the amount of this force is called load factor. 

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