How is stall speed affected by weight?

Stall speed is affected by weight because it is directly related to the aircraft's load factor and the aerodynamic lift required to maintain controlled flight. As the weight of the aircraft increases, more lift must be generated to counteract that weight. The stall speed is the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight before the wings can no longer generate sufficient lift.

When an aircraft’s weight increases, the pilot must fly at a higher speed to attain the additional lift necessary to maintain controlled flight. Thus, the stall speed rises with increased weight. This principle is important in flight operations, especially during takeoff and landing, where being aware of the stall speed relative to the aircraft's weight can significantly impact safety and performance.

In contrast, an aircraft’s stall speed does not remain constant regardless of weight. Therefore, it varies with changes in load, emphasizing the need for pilots to consider weight when calculating performance parameters, including stall speed.