What factors influence stall speed in an aircraft?

Stall speed in an aircraft is primarily influenced by a combination of weight, configuration, and load factor. As the weight of the aircraft increases, the stall speed also increases because a heavier aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight, and thus it reaches its critical angle of attack sooner.

The configuration of the aircraft—such as whether flaps are deployed or the landing gear is extended—also plays a significant role in stall speed. Flaps can increase lift at lower speeds, effectively lowering the stall speed by allowing the wing to operate efficiently at higher angles.

Furthermore, load factor, which is the ratio of the lift force to the weight of the aircraft, can impact stall speed. During maneuvers that increase the load factor, like turns or climbs, the stall speed will increase because the aircraft must generate more lift to counteract the greater load being placed on the wings.

Understanding these factors is crucial for safe flying, as pilots must adjust their approach speeds accordingly depending on the current weight and configuration of the aircraft during various phases of flight.