How does load factor impact stall speed?

Load factor, defined as the amount of lift that a wing must generate to support the aircraft in flight, has a direct impact on stall speed. When an aircraft experiences increased load factor, generally due to maneuvers such as turns or climbs, the stall speed increases. This happens because the aircraft must create additional lift to counteract the increased weight imposed by the load factor.

Stall speed is the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight, and it is influenced by the square root of the load factor. In practical terms, when an aircraft is in a level turn, the load factor can significantly rise—often to 1.5 G or more depending on the steepness of the turn. Consequently, with a higher load factor, the aircraft requires a higher speed to avoid stalling.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots during maneuvers and for ensuring safe flight conditions, as any increase in load factor will necessitate greater caution with respect to maintaining adequate airspeed to avoid reaching stall speeds prematurely.