What is the effect of weight on an aircraft’s stall speed?

An increase in an aircraft's weight leads to an increase in stall speed. This is due to the fact that stall speed is defined as the minimum airspeed at which an aircraft can maintain controlled flight. When the aircraft's weight increases, more lift must be generated to counteract that weight to keep the aircraft flying. This increased demand for lift translates to a higher speed at which the aircraft can stall. Therefore, as weight increases, the aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to produce the necessary lift, which in turn elevates the stall speed.

In level flight, stall speed is influenced directly by the aircraft's weight, making it essential for pilots to understand how weight variations can affect performance during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing.