How does maneuvering speed change with weight?

• A. Heavier aircraft requires a lower angle of attack to maintain level flight
• B. Heavier aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight
• C. Lighter aircraft requires a higher angle of attack
• D. Maneuvering speed is unchanged by weight

Answer: (B)

Maneuvering speed rises as weight increases. This is because a heavier airplane has to generate more lift to stay level, and at the same airspeed that requires a higher lift coefficient, which means a higher angle of attack. So as weight goes up, you must fly with a larger angle of attack to maintain level flight at the same speed, and the airframe tolerance for abrupt control inputs (maneuvering speed) increases accordingly.

That’s why the best choice states that a heavier aircraft requires a higher angle of attack to maintain level flight. The other ideas conflict with lift principles (heavier aircraft needs more lift, not less) and with the fact that maneuvering speed does change with weight.