FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Performance, Weight and BalanceMedium
An airplane has a gross weight of 2,650 lb and a wing area of 175 sq ft. What is its wing loading, and how does higher wing loading generally affect stall speed?
- A15.1 lb/sq ft; increases stall speed
- B15.1 lb/sq ft; decreases stall speed
- C151 lb/sq ft; increases stall speed
- D7.5 lb/sq ft; decreases stall speed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 15.1 lb/sq ft; increases stall speed
Wing loading = weight ÷ wing area = 2,650 ÷ 175 ≈ 15.1 lb/sq ft. Higher wing loading requires more lift per unit area, which raises stall speed.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Correct value but wrong relationship; higher wing loading raises, not lowers, stall speed.
- C. Misplaces the decimal point in the calculation.
- D. Uses an incorrect wing area/weight ratio and wrong relationship.
Wing Loading
Wing loading is gross weight divided by wing area (lb/sq ft); higher wing loading increases stall speed but generally gives a smoother ride in turbulence.
- Wing loading = Weight ÷ Wing Area
- Higher wing loading → higher stall speed
- Higher wing loading → smoother ride in gusts
- Affects maneuverability and turn performance
Memory trick: 'Heavy wing, higher stall sting' — more weight per square foot needs more speed.