What is the effect of increased bank angle on stall speed?

Increasing the bank angle has a direct effect on stall speed due to the increased load factor experienced by the aircraft. When an aircraft is banked, it requires a greater lift to maintain altitude because the vertical component of the lift vector decreases. As the bank angle increases, the load factor—the ratio of the lift being produced to the actual weight of the aircraft—increases.

For example, at a 60-degree bank, the load factor can increase to 2G, meaning the aircraft must produce twice the lift compared to straight-and-level flight. To generate this increased lift without losing altitude, the aircraft must increase its airspeed, which translates to a higher stall speed. Essentially, with a higher load factor, the wing must generate more lift, and thus the stall speed increases to prevent a stall condition.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots since it emphasizes the risk of stalling during turns, particularly at higher bank angles where stall speeds significantly increase. Proper management of bank angles and associated airspeeds is vital for safe flight operations.