What happens to the stall speed of an airplane during a climbing turn?

During a climbing turn, the stall speed of an airplane increases due to the heightened load factor imposed by the combination of the climb and the turn. When an aircraft is subjected to a turn, it experiences a lateral component of lift that contributes to the overall load factor. As the load factor increases, the effective weight of the aircraft increases, requiring more lift to maintain controlled flight.

In a climb, the angle of attack also typically increases, which can lead to a stall if exceeded. Together, these factors raise the stall speed, as the aircraft must maintain a higher airspeed to generate the necessary lift to overcome the greater load. The resulting increase in stall speed ensures that the aircraft can remain safely above that critical threshold where a stall might occur.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots, as it highlights the importance of managing airspeed and bank angle during maneuvers involving turns and climbs, helping to prevent an inadvertent stall.