Which factor describes the negative limit load for a utility aircraft?

The correct choice regarding the negative limit load for a utility aircraft indicates that it must not be less than 1.76. This factor is significant because the limit load represents the maximum load that an aircraft structure can safely support, ensuring safety and performance during operation. In the context of utility aircraft, this load needs to be sufficiently robust to accommodate various operational stresses while still maintaining structural integrity and safety margins.

In aviation design, particularly for utility aircraft that may face a variety of load scenarios—including negative loads during maneuvers or turbulence—establishing a minimum for negative limit loads helps ensure that the aircraft can withstand these conditions without exceeding safe structural limits. A threshold of 1.76 ensures that the aircraft remains reliable and resilient under negative loading conditions, contributing to overall safety.

Other potential choices might propose values that do not align with established design parameters or industry standards for utility aircraft, making them unsuitable. The focus on a defined lower limit rather than an arbitrary minimum or threshold ensures compliance with safety regulations and airworthiness standards which are critical in aviation design.