Private Pilot License (PPL) Aerodynamics Practice Exam

During an approach to a stall, what effect does an increased load factor have on the airplane?

1. Causes it to stall at a lower altitude

2. Stall at a higher airspeed

3. Enhances the stall characteristics

4. Prevents the onset of a stall

The correct answer is: Stall at a higher airspeed

In the context of aerodynamics, an increased load factor occurs when an aircraft experiences greater forces acting on it than during level flight, often due to maneuvers such as turns. This heightened load factor increases the stall speed of the airplane. Essentially, the stall speed is the speed at which the aircraft can no longer maintain level flight due to insufficient lift being generated by the wings. When the load factor increases, the aircraft must generate more lift to counteract this additional weight. Since lift is directly related to the square of the airspeed, an increase in load factor leads to an increase in the stall speed, meaning the aircraft will stall at a higher airspeed than under normal conditions. Therefore, option B accurately describes this phenomenon, as the aircraft requires a faster airspeed to maintain level flight under a higher load factor. Understanding this effect is crucial for pilots, especially during maneuvers where load factors can significantly change, to avoid accidentally entering into a stall situation. Moreover, it necessitates a greater awareness of the relationship between load factor, stall speed, and maneuvering to ensure safe operation of the aircraft.