Which factor increases the stall speed of an aircraft?

The stall speed of an aircraft is influenced by various factors, and one significant factor is the load factor. The load factor refers to the amount of load carried by the aircraft compared to its weight, and it changes with maneuvers such as turns or climbing. As the load factor increases, the aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft also change, requiring a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight. This elevated angle of attack raises the stall speed because the aircraft must fly faster to generate sufficient lift to counteract the increased weight from the load factor.

Therefore, when the load factor increases, the stall speed correspondingly increases, as the aircraft is subjected to greater aerodynamic demand to keep it stable and airborne under those conditions. Understanding how load factors impact stall speed is crucial for pilots in ensuring safe flight operations, especially during maneuvers that increase the load on the aircraft.