Which factors influence an aircraft's stall speed?

The stall speed of an aircraft is primarily influenced by several key factors, among which weight, wing design, and environmental conditions play a significant role.

Weight affects stall speed because as the aircraft's weight increases, it requires a higher angle of attack to generate sufficient lift. The increased angle of attack raises the point at which airflow can no longer smoothly adhere to the wing surface, leading to a stall.

Wing design also significantly impacts stall speed. Different wing shapes have varying lift-to-drag ratios, leading to different stall characteristics. For instance, a wing with a larger surface area or a higher aspect ratio can generate more lift at lower speeds, reducing the stall speed compared to a smaller or differently shaped wing.

Environmental conditions, such as altitude, air density, and temperature, further influence stall speed. As altitude increases, the decrease in air density reduces the amount of lift generated at a given speed, consequently raising the stall speed. Similarly, changes in temperature can influence air density and thus stall behavior.

In summary, these factors interact to determine the stall speed, emphasizing the significance of the aircraft's weight, wing design, and the prevailing environmental conditions in understanding and managing stall risks.