How does an increase in weight typically affect stall IAS?

An increase in weight typically causes an increase in stall indicated airspeed (IAS). This relationship arises from the fundamental aerodynamics of flight.

As the weight of the aircraft increases, the lift required to maintain level flight also increases. Since lift is generated based on the equation ( L = \frac{1}{2} \rho V^2 S C_L ) (where ( L ) is lift, ( \rho ) is air density, ( V ) is velocity, ( S ) is the wing area, and ( C_L ) is the coefficient of lift), a greater weight necessitates a higher velocity to generate the same amount of lift. Consequently, as the stall speed increases with weight, this higher stall speed translates to a higher stall IAS.

This is crucial for pilots to understand, as it affects how they approach flight maneuvers and safety margins. Stall IAS will be higher when flying with a full load compared to a scenario with less weight. Therefore, decision-making during takeoffs, landings, and maneuvers at lower altitudes must account for this increase in stall IAS with increased aircraft weight.

The other options, such as a decrease in stall IAS, have no grounding in aerodynamic principles.