← All explained questions · Supplemental · VII — Slow Flight, Stalls, and Spins
During a turn at slow flight airspeed (just above Vs), the airplane stalls earlier (at higher airspeed) than when wings level because
Choices
weight shifts forward during turns.
Weight doesn't shift in a coordinated turn.
✓ the load factor in a banked turn increases stall speed by √(load factor).correct
In a banked turn the load factor raises stall speed by √(load factor), so even modest banks raise Vs noticeably; combined with already being near Vs, you can enter an accelerated stall easily. Vs in a turn = Vs(1G) × √(load factor). Even a 30° bank raises Vs by ~7% (load factor ~1.15). At slow flight just above Vs, that 7% increase puts you into the stall. ACS standards limit slow flight bank to ≤20° to prevent inadvertent accelerated stalls. Coordinated rudder is critical to prevent yaw → spin if a wing drops.
the engine produces less power in turns.
Engine power doesn't drop in turns.
the magnetic compass interferes with the elevator.
Compass and elevator are unrelated.
Why
In a banked turn the load factor raises stall speed by √(load factor), so even modest banks raise Vs noticeably; combined with already being near Vs, you can enter an accelerated stall easily. Vs in a turn = Vs(1G) × √(load factor). Even a 30° bank raises Vs by ~7% (load factor ~1.15). At slow flight just above Vs, that 7% increase puts you into the stall. ACS standards limit slow flight bank to ≤20° to prevent inadvertent accelerated stalls. Coordinated rudder is critical to prevent yaw → spin if a wing drops.
FAA source: PHAK Ch 5, AFH Ch 4; PHAK Chapter 5 — Aerodynamics of Flightbrowse the reference library →
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Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question. Reviewed by a panel of three CFIs + AI review.