Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What defining characteristic is related to stall speed and aircraft weight?

1. Stall speed decreases with increased weight

2. Stall speed is not affected by weight

3. Stall speed increases with increased weight

4. Stall speed is only dependent on wing design

The correct answer is: Stall speed increases with increased weight

Stall speed is defined as the minimum airspeed at which a wing can generate enough lift to support the weight of the aircraft. One key factor that influences stall speed is the weight of the aircraft. As the weight of the aircraft increases, the wing must generate more lift to counteract this additional weight. This necessity for greater lift translates into a higher stall speed, as the aircraft must maintain a higher speed to achieve the required lift. In other words, if an aircraft's weight is increased—either by carrying additional passengers, cargo, or fuel—the stall speed will also increase. This relationship is critical for pilots to understand, as flying at or below stall speed can lead to an unintentional stall, which can have serious implications for flight safety. Thus, the correct understanding of how stall speed varies in relation to weight helps pilots maintain proper airspeed management during different stages of flight, particularly in climbs, turns, and approaches to landing.