Which condition can change the stall characteristics of an aircraft?

The stall characteristics of an aircraft are significantly influenced by several factors, most notably the weight and configuration of the aircraft. When the weight of an aircraft changes, it affects the lift required to maintain level flight. A heavier aircraft requires more lift, which means it operates at a higher angle of attack before reaching the critical angle, where stall occurs. Thus, an increase in weight can lead to a change in the stall characteristics.

Additionally, the configuration of the aircraft—such as flap settings, landing gear deployment, and other aerodynamic modifications—can also alter the airflow over the wings and thus the stall behavior. For instance, deploying flaps increases lift at lower speeds but also changes the angle of attack at which stall occurs.

In contrast, solely considering weight or configuration in isolation wouldn't encompass the complete picture of stall characteristics. While weather conditions can impact flying by affecting air density and turbulence, they do not directly change the intrinsic stall characteristics of the aircraft itself, which are tied more to the aircraft's design and current operational setup. Therefore, recognizing the interplay of weight and configuration provides a comprehensive understanding of how stall characteristics can vary in different flight situations.