What happens to stall speed as the weight of the aircraft increases?

Stall speed is the minimum airspeed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight. As the weight of the aircraft increases, the stall speed must also increase. This is due to the relationship between weight and lift.

The lift generated by an aircraft is affected by several factors, including airspeed, wing area, and the coefficient of lift. The lift equation is expressed as:

Lift = (1/2) * Cl * p * V² * S

where Cl is the coefficient of lift, p is the air density, V is the speed of the aircraft, and S is the wing area. To maintain level flight at a higher weight, the aircraft must generate more lift. Since lift increases with the square of the velocity, a higher speed is required to achieve sufficient lift to counteract the greater weight.

Therefore, as weight increases, the stall speed must also increase to produce the needed lift. This principle is crucial for pilots to understand, as it affects how they manage the aircraft's performance, especially during takeoff, landing, and maneuvering at lower speeds.