What is meant by stall speed?

Stall speed refers to the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight without losing lift. When an aircraft is flying below this speed, the airflow over the wings is insufficient to generate the lift needed to keep the aircraft aloft, which can lead to a stall. It is essential for pilots to be aware of stall speeds to ensure safe flight operations, especially during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing.

Understanding stall speed is crucial for aircraft performance and safety. It helps in determining the proper approach speed during landing and configuring the aircraft appropriately to maintain sufficient speed to avoid stalling. Therefore, recognizing that stall speed is fundamentally linked to the minimum flying speed necessary to sustain level flight emphasizes its importance in aviation training and operations.