How does increased weight affect the stall characteristics of an aircraft?

Increased weight in an aircraft leads to changes in stall characteristics that are significant for pilots to understand. As weight increases, the stall speed of the aircraft also increases. This means the aircraft will stall at a higher speed than it would at a lighter weight.

When an aircraft is heavier, it requires more lift to maintain level flight. The increased load affects the wing's angle of attack at which it will stall. Although a heavier aircraft can stall at a higher airspeed, the recovery from a stall becomes more challenging. The additional weight increases inertia, making the aircraft less responsive to control inputs during recovery, which can prolong the stall situation or make it harder to regain control.

Thus, the correct answer highlights that as weight increases, the stall speed rises while also making recovery more difficult, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing these factors for safe flight operations.