What is a challenge associated with high aspect ratio wings during landing?

High aspect ratio wings are designed for efficiency and improved lift-to-drag ratios, particularly during cruise, but they do present challenges during landing. One such challenge is that these wings can bend under stress due to their length and the aerodynamic forces acting upon them. The increased span results in higher moments and stresses at the wing root and tips, especially during maneuvers like landing where significant aerodynamic loads are present.

This bending can lead to structural issues if the wings are not designed to handle such stress. Therefore, while they are beneficial for their intended purpose, pilots and engineers must be cautious about the structural limits of high aspect ratio wings, particularly during critical phases of flight like landing where strength and integrity are paramount to safety and performance.

The other options—occupying more space, consuming more fuel, or providing less lift—do not directly capture the unique structural challenges that high aspect ratio wings face during landing.