What primarily affects the stall speed in turbulent conditions?

The stall speed of an aircraft is fundamentally influenced by the load factor, which is the ratio of the lift produced by the wings to the weight of the aircraft. When the load factor increases, such as during tighter turns or maneuvers that impose greater G-forces, more lift is required to maintain altitude. This increased lift demand results in a higher stall speed.

In turbulent conditions, the airflow over the wings can be disrupted, leading to fluctuations in lift. To counteract these variations and maintain controlled flight, pilots may need to increase the angle of attack. As the angle of attack increases to produce the necessary lift under these turbulent circumstances, the stall speed consequently rises. Thus, the relationship between load factor and stall speed reveals that a greater load factor, especially in turbulent conditions, necessitates a higher stall speed to maintain safe flight.

The other options do not directly influence the stall speed in turbulent conditions. Increased altitude does impact air density but does not directly relate to stall speed in the context of turbulence. Decreased airspeed could be associated with stall if below the critical speed; however, in turbulence, controlling the load factor is key. Increased thrust can assist in maintaining airspeed but does not directly influence stall speed itself.