How does bank angle affect stall characteristics?

The relationship between bank angle and stall characteristics is rooted in aerodynamics and the principles of lift and stall. When an aircraft is in a banked turn, the aircraft's wings must generate additional lift to counteract the increased load factor. As the bank angle increases, the load factor on the aircraft also increases, which in turn requires more lift to maintain level flight.

This additional lift requirement results in an increase in stall speed. The stall speed is the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain controlled flight, and any increase in load factor directly correlates with an increase in stall speed. As such, when the bank angle rises, the aircraft must fly at a higher speed to avoid reaching its critical angle of attack and experiencing a stall.

Thus, the assertion that higher bank angles increase stall speed is grounded in the fundamental principles of flight dynamics, making it the correct choice in this scenario. It is essential for pilots to understand this relationship to maintain safe operational practices, especially during maneuvers involving steep turns.