Which factors are known to affect an aircraft's stall speed?

The stall speed of an aircraft is primarily influenced by several key factors, including weight, balance, load factor, and configuration.

Weight directly affects stall speed; as an aircraft's weight increases, its stall speed will also increase due to the requirement for greater lift to maintain flight. This is because lift must counterbalance the weight of the aircraft, and a heavier aircraft demands a higher angle of attack to generate that lift.

Balance plays a critical role as well. If an aircraft is not properly balanced, it can lead to a higher stall speed, especially if the center of gravity is outside the manufacturer’s specified limits. An improperly balanced aircraft may stall at a lower airspeed than expected, which can catch pilots off guard.

Load factor, which is the amount of loading created by the aircraft being maneuvered, also affects stall speed. In a turn or during certain maneuvers, the load factor increases, requiring a higher stall speed to maintain controlled flight.

Lastly, configuration refers to how the aircraft is set up for flight, such as flap settings and gear position. Different configurations will change the lift characteristics of the aircraft, hence altering the stall speed. For instance, deploying flaps can reduce the stall speed, while a clean configuration might require a higher