What happens to stall speed when an aircraft is at a higher angle of attack?

The correct answer highlights that stall speed increases when an aircraft is at a higher angle of attack. Stall speed is defined as the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight, and it significantly depends on the aircraft's design and flying conditions.

As the angle of attack increases, the airflow above the wings becomes disrupted, leading to a point at which the wing can no longer generate enough lift to support the aircraft's weight. This critical angle of attack, which varies among different aircraft, indicates the transition into a stall condition. When the angle of attack is higher than this critical point, the stall speed rises because more lift is required to maintain level flight, resulting in the necessity for increased airspeed to avoid the stall.

Understanding this relationship is vital for pilots, as it influences aircraft control, performance during maneuvers, and safety practices. Hence, recognizing how stall speed is affected by angles of attack is crucial for safe flying, particularly during low-speed flight operations and approaches for landing.