What factors affect stall speed in an aircraft?

Stall speed in an aircraft is primarily influenced by factors that affect the aerodynamic characteristics and performance of the aircraft. One of the key factors is weight. As an aircraft's weight increases, its stall speed increases as well because greater lift is required to maintain level flight at a higher weight.

Another important factor is load factor. This is critical during maneuvers, as increased load factor also raises the stall speed. For instance, during a turn, the load factor increases, thus increasing the stall speed in that situation.

Power has an indirect influence on stall speed as well. While it does not directly alter the stall speed itself, the application of power can help maintain control and delay the stall under certain conditions, such as during takeoff or when climbing.

These factors interplay to determine the dynamics of stall speed and must be understood by pilots to ensure safe operation of the aircraft, particularly in varying weight and maneuvering scenarios.