Turbulence increases stall speed, requiring the airplane to slow below V_A.

Turbulence increases stall speed, requiring the airplane to slow below V_A.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not enough information
• D. Only at high altitude

Answer: (A)

Turbulence brings gusts that change the wing’s load and the angle of attack momentarily, which can raise the speed at which the wing would stall in those conditions. Because of that, pilots aim to maintain enough airspeed to tolerate gusts—typically near the turbulence penetration speed, which is associated with the maneuvering speed range and provides margin against sudden loads. Slowing below maneuvering speed in rough air would reduce that margin and make a stall more likely when a gust arrives. So while turbulence does raise the effective stall tendency, the safe response is not to slow below V_A; you generally keep speed near or above the turbulence penetration speed.

Turbulence brings gusts that change the wing’s load and the angle of attack momentarily, which can raise the speed at which the wing would stall in those conditions. Because of that, pilots aim to maintain enough airspeed to tolerate gusts—typically near the turbulence penetration speed, which is associated with the maneuvering speed range and provides margin against sudden loads. Slowing below maneuvering speed in rough air would reduce that margin and make a stall more likely when a gust arrives. So while turbulence does raise the effective stall tendency, the safe response is not to slow below V_A; you generally keep speed near or above the turbulence penetration speed.