What defines negative G loading in an aircraft?

Negative G loading occurs when the forces acting on the aircraft create a sensation of weightlessness or an upward lift, contrary to the normal gravitational pull. This phenomenon is typically defined by forces that are greater than the aircraft's weight acting in a downward direction.

When the aircraft experiences negative G loading, it is as if the effective weight of the aircraft is reduced, allowing for forces that push the occupants and objects inside upwards relative to the aircraft itself. This scenario often happens during specific maneuvers such as rapid descent or abrupt pitch changes, where the aerodynamic lift exceeds the gravitational force acting on the aircraft.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of G loading. Forces equal to the weight of the aircraft imply a neutral condition without experiencing negative or positive Gs. Forces higher than the aircraft's weight in an upward direction relate more to positive G loading, where the strain is felt downward on the occupants. The mention of turbulence alone does not accurately describe or define negative G loading, as it can occur independently of turbulent conditions.

Thus, the definition of negative G loading effectively captures the unique characteristics of forces acting in a downward direction exceeding the aircraft's weight, emphasizing the resulting sensation of lightness or even weightlessness experienced by those on board.