How does landing configuration affect stall speed relative to the clean configuration?

How does landing configuration affect stall speed relative to the clean configuration?

• A. It decreases stall speed due to higher lift at low speed.
• B. It increases stall speed.
• C. It has no effect on stall speed.
• D. It makes stall speed unpredictable.

Answer: (A)

Landing configuration increases the wing’s lift capability at low speeds by raising the maximum lift coefficient (Cl_max) due to flaps and gear down. Since stall happens when lift just equals weight, and lift depends on V^2 times Cl, a higher Cl_max means the airplane can produce the necessary lift at a lower airspeed. So, with flaps and gear down, the stall speed is reduced compared to the clean configuration. The extra drag from landing configuration doesn’t change the stall speed—it mainly affects approach and handling, not the speed at which stall occurs.

Landing configuration increases the wing’s lift capability at low speeds by raising the maximum lift coefficient (Cl_max) due to flaps and gear down. Since stall happens when lift just equals weight, and lift depends on V^2 times Cl, a higher Cl_max means the airplane can produce the necessary lift at a lower airspeed. So, with flaps and gear down, the stall speed is reduced compared to the clean configuration. The extra drag from landing configuration doesn’t change the stall speed—it mainly affects approach and handling, not the speed at which stall occurs.