Which of the following is NOT a performance characteristic adversely affected by aircraft overloading?

Aircraft overloading impacts several performance characteristics adversely. When an aircraft is overloaded, it typically leads to an increase in weight, which directly affects its performance in various ways.

The choice indicating "shorter takeoff run" is correct in that overloading does not contribute to a shorter takeoff distance; in fact, it generally results in an increased takeoff run. The added weight requires the aircraft to generate more lift, which can only be achieved through increased speed and distance, thus making the takeoff run longer.

In contrast, the other options—higher takeoff speed, higher stalling speed, and lower maximum altitude—are all performance characteristics that degrade as a result of overloading. When overloaded, the aircraft must reach a higher speed to generate enough lift for takeoff due to the increase in weight. Stalling speed also increases because the aircraft must maintain a higher airspeed to avoid stalling with the additional weight. Lastly, the maximum altitude that an overloaded aircraft can achieve is decreased since the aircraft's performance and engine efficiency decline with increased weight.

Therefore, the correct answer is the option that indicates a characteristic that is not negatively affected by overloading, which here refers to the shorter takeoff run, as overloading actually makes it longer.