What effect does an increase in weight have on stall speed?

When weight increases, stall speed also increases. This relationship is based on the principles of aerodynamics and how lift is generated in relation to weight. Stall speed is the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight. As weight goes up, the aircraft requires more lift to counteract that additional weight.

Since lift is directly related to the square of the airspeed, a heavier aircraft must fly at a higher speed to generate enough lift to remain airborne. This means that if everything else remains constant (such as wing shape and air density), a heavier aircraft will have a higher stall speed.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots as it affects approach speeds, landing configurations, and overall flight safety. Pilots must be aware of how changes in weight, such as fuel consumption or passenger load, impact the stall speed to avoid unintended stall situations.