What is a factor that significantly affects stall speed?

The factor that significantly affects stall speed is load factor. Stall speed refers to the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight without stalling. The load factor increases during maneuvers such as turns, climbs, or descents, which increases the weight that the wings must support. When the load factor increases, the aerodynamic lift required also increases, and therefore, the stall speed must also increase to maintain that lift.

In level flight, the load factor is typically 1 G, but during a turn, for example, the load factor can increase due to the additional centripetal force acting on the aircraft. As a result, pilots must be aware that performing maneuvers that increase the load factor will lead to a corresponding increase in stall speed, which is a critical consideration for safe flying and managing the aircraft’s performance. Understanding this relationship helps pilots make better decisions regarding safe operational speeds, particularly in challenging flight conditions.