1 / 20

Refer to figure.
Given the following data, calculate VS1G for this aircraft.

Air density: 1.225 kg/m3
Aircraft mass: 2000 kg
Wing surface area: 16 m2
g: 10 m/s2

  • A

    37 kt

  • B

    84 kt

  • C

    59 kt

  • D

    72 kt

Refer to figure.
Learning objective 081.03.01.02.02: Solve VS1G from the lift formula given varying CL.


 The 1g stall speed (VS1G) is the airspeed at which, for a load factor of 1, we will reach the critical angle of attack. At this critical angle of attack, we will have the largest CL possible - CLMAX. From the lift equation (L = ½ ρ V2 S CL) we see that lift is proportional to V2. For a CL fixed at CLMAX if we want to create more lift, we need to be flying faster.

With a load factor of 1, Lift = Weight = mg 
Where m is the mass of the aircraft, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (here said to be 10 m/s2)

We can read off CLMAX from the question annex - it is the maximum CL, which coincides with the critical angle of attack. In this case, CLMAX = 1.5

We can now rewrite the lift formula in terms of VS1G, CLMAX and aircraft mass, and then re-arrange to solve for VS1G:

  • L = ½ ρ V2 S CL
  • L = W = m g = ½ ρ VS1G2 S CLMAX
  • 2 VS1G2  = m g / (ρ S CLMAX)
  • VS1G = √ (2 m g / (ρ S CLMAX))

Substituting values, we find:

  • VS1G = √ (2 x 2000 x 10) / (1.225 x 16 x 1.5)) = 36.9 m/s

Caution!: The answers are in knots, not m/s! We must convert kt to m/s
We can use a conversion factor of 1 kt = 0.514 m/s:

  • 36.9/0.514 = 71.8 kt

Your Notes (not visible to others)



This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.

  • Austro Control
    9
  • Greece
    4
  • Spain
    3
  • Germany
    2
  • Czech Republic
    1
  • Romania
    1
  • Switzerland
    1