Aerodynamics Practice Test

Stall speed is set by the wing’s ability to produce enough lift at the maximum lift coefficient (CLmax). In any maneuver, the aircraft must generate lift L equal to the load it carries: L = nW, where n is the load factor. When you’re in a turn or other maneuver, n is greater than 1, so the wing must produce more lift than in straight-and-level flight. Because CLmax is fixed for the wing, reaching the higher required lift means you must fly at a higher dynamic pressure, which translates to a higher speed to stay just at the point of stall. In other words, as load factor increases, the stall speed rises (roughly by the square root of the load factor). Altitude or density changes affect true airspeed, but the fundamental relationship—more load means higher stall speed—remains.