A heavier airplane will stall at what condition compared to a lighter airplane?

A heavier airplane will stall at a higher speed compared to a lighter airplane due to the increased aerodynamic forces acting on it. When discussing stalls, it’s important to understand the relationship between weight, lift, and the angle of attack.

Stall speed is defined as the minimum airspeed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight. As weight increases, the airplane requires more lift to counteract the gravitational force acting on it. To generate additional lift, the aircraft must fly at a higher speed, because lift is dependent on the square of the airspeed. The equation for lift demonstrates this interdependence: Lift = (1/2) * Air Density * Velocity^2 * Wing Area * Coefficient of Lift.

Therefore, increasing the weight of the airplane raises the stall speed, since more lift is necessary for the heavier aircraft to counteract its weight effectively. This principle is critical for pilots to understand, as it directly impacts their approach and landing speeds, especially when flying with variations in loading or fuel supply.

Having this knowledge helps pilots make informed decisions in various flight scenarios, ensuring safety and proper aircraft handling.