How does an increase in load factor affect stall speed?

An increase in load factor directly leads to an increase in stall speed due to the physics of lift and weight balance in an aircraft. The load factor, which is essentially the ratio of the lift generated by the wings to the aircraft's weight, increases during turns or maneuvers that involve increased G-forces.

When the load factor increases, the aircraft requires more lift to maintain flight. Since stall speed is the minimum speed required to maintain aerodynamic lift, a higher load factor means that the wings must produce more lift at a greater angle of attack, which occurs at a higher airspeed. Consequently, the aircraft will stall at a higher speed when the load factor increases, reflecting the relationship between load, lift, and stall characteristics of the airframe.

It's important to understand that stall speed is influenced by several factors including weight, design characteristics, and load factor. The relationship indicates that higher G-forces (increased load factor) mean that pilots must be cautious of their airspeed during maneuvers, as the stall can occur at speeds that are higher than the normal indicated stall speeds at level flight. This fundamental principle is crucial for pilots, particularly in instrument and attitude flying scenarios.