Which performance aspect can be affected by improper rigging of the wing?

Improper rigging of the wing can significantly impact lift generation and stall characteristics. The rigging refers to how the wing is set up in relation to the fuselage and the aircraft as a whole. If the wings are not correctly aligned or their angles are incorrect, this misalignment can result in inefficient airflow over the wings, negatively influencing the wing's ability to generate lift.

For instance, if the angle of attack is not set correctly due to improper rigging, the wings may stall at a lower speed than intended, which can lead to a loss of control during critical phases of flight. This can drastically reduce the aircraft's overall performance and increase the risk of accidents.

While fuel consumption rates, engine performance, and landing gear effectiveness are essential aspects of flight, they are influenced more by the engine and aerodynamics of the aircraft rather than the rigging of the wings specifically. Therefore, when considering the performance aspect that is directly affected by rigging issues, lift generation and stall characteristics are the most relevant.