Approach to Stall
Approach-to-stall training develops recognition of a developing stall and recovery before or as the airplane reaches the condition defined by the applicable training objective.
What approach-to-stall training develops
Approach-to-stall training focuses on recognizing the aerodynamic and aircraft-specific cues that appear as angle of attack increases toward the critical angle.
The objective is to improve early recognition and reinforce an appropriate response before a developing stall becomes an unexpected loss of control.
Angle of attack
A wing stalls when its critical angle of attack is exceeded. The indicated airspeed at which this occurs is not fixed for every flight condition.
Load factor, configuration, weight, maneuvering, and other factors can change the airspeed associated with a stall.
Recognition cues
Depending on the airplane, cues may include stall warning indications, buffet, reduced control effectiveness, changes in pitch response, or other aerodynamic signs.
Pilots should learn the cues applicable to the aircraft they fly rather than relying on one generic indication.
Recovery
Recovery centers on managing angle of attack and returning the airplane to controlled flight according to the aircraft procedure and training objective.
Power, configuration, pitch, and flight path are managed as appropriate while maintaining coordination.
Coordination
Maintaining coordinated flight is important as the airplane approaches a stall. Excessive yaw near the stall can complicate aircraft behavior and increase risk.
Control inputs should remain deliberate and appropriate to the aircraft.
Common approach-to-stall errors
- fixating on airspeed instead of recognizing angle-of-attack cues;
- poor coordination;
- abrupt control inputs;
- late recognition of the developing stall;
- failing to follow the aircraft-specific recovery procedure;
- allowing a secondary stall during recovery.
Why pilots practice approach-to-stall recognition
Early recognition gives the pilot an opportunity to correct a developing high-angle-of-attack condition before it progresses further.
The skill is relevant to takeoff, climb, maneuvering, approach, landing, and other phases where airspeed, load factor, or angle of attack can change.
Useful practice considerations
Depending on the aircraft, conditions, training objective, applicable standards, and instructor guidance, practice may include:
- clearing the area before maneuvering;
- recognizing aircraft-specific stall cues;
- understanding that stall is fundamentally related to angle of attack;
- maintaining appropriate coordination;
- responding promptly to a developing stall condition;
- managing power and configuration according to procedure;
- maintaining an effective visual and instrument scan;
- returning smoothly to the desired flight condition.
Related flying skills
Track approach to stall practice
Last Practiced lets you record the date you practiced approach to stall alongside the other individual flying skills from the same session. You can also set a personal Practice Target if this is a skill you want to revisit at your own chosen interval.
Practice Targets are personal reminders. They do not establish regulatory currency, proficiency, or legal eligibility to fly.
References
- Federal Aviation Administration — Airplane Flying Handbook
- Federal Aviation Administration — AC 61-67C, Stall and Spin Awareness Training
- Federal Aviation Administration — Airman Certification Standards
This page is a general reference and is not a substitute for aircraft documentation, flight instruction, regulations, certification standards, or operational procedures applicable to a particular flight.