What factors affect the stall speed of an aircraft?

The stall speed of an aircraft is primarily affected by the weight and center of gravity. As the weight of the aircraft increases, the stall speed also increases because greater lift must be generated to counteract the increased weight, requiring a higher angle of attack. Additionally, the position of the center of gravity impacts the aircraft's stability and handling characteristics, which can also influence the stall speed.

When the center of gravity is located further forward than the ideal position, the stall speed can increase due to changes in the lift-to-drag ratio and handling characteristics. Conversely, if the center of gravity is too far aft, it can lead to control difficulties, which may also affect stall performance.

Understanding how weight and center of gravity interact with an aircraft’s stall speed is crucial for safe flight operations, particularly during maneuvers that approach the edge of the performance envelope. The other options may impact various flight characteristics, but they do not directly determine stall speed in the same fundamental way that weight and center of gravity do.