Power-On Stall
Power-on stall practice demonstrates stall recognition and recovery in a flight condition commonly associated with takeoff, departure, or climb.
What power-on stall practice represents
Power-on stall training demonstrates how an aerodynamic stall can develop while the airplane is operating with significant power and in a condition associated with takeoff or climb.
The maneuver reinforces that a stall is caused by exceeding the wing's critical angle of attack, not by reaching one particular airspeed.
Setup and aircraft configuration
The exact entry speed, power setting, configuration, altitude, and procedure depend on the aircraft and applicable training standard.
Before beginning the maneuver, the pilot clears the area and establishes the airplane according to approved procedures and instructor guidance.
Recognition
As angle of attack increases, the pilot observes the aircraft-specific indications of an approaching stall.
These may include changes in control feel, buffet, stall warning, reduced control effectiveness, pitch behavior, or other cues specific to the airplane.
Recovery priority
The fundamental stall-recovery action is to reduce angle of attack below the critical angle of attack.
Power, pitch, configuration, and flight path are then managed according to the aircraft procedure while maintaining coordination and returning to controlled flight.
Yaw and coordination
Power-on stalls can make directional control particularly important because propeller-related effects and high angle of attack may increase yaw tendencies in some airplanes.
Appropriate rudder coordination is important, while excessive or abrupt rudder input should be avoided.
Avoiding a secondary stall
After the initial stall is broken, the pilot must avoid increasing angle of attack too aggressively before adequate flying speed and control have been restored.
A smooth return to the desired flight path helps prevent a secondary stall.
Common power-on stall errors
- inadequate clearing before the maneuver;
- incorrect setup or configuration;
- poor directional control;
- failing to reduce angle of attack sufficiently;
- using excessive rudder;
- incorrect sequencing of recovery actions;
- creating a secondary stall during recovery.
Why pilots practice power-on stalls
The maneuver connects stall awareness with takeoff and climb conditions where high angle of attack, power, and directional-control demands can occur together.
Practice reinforces recognition, coordination, angle-of-attack management, and disciplined recovery.
Useful practice considerations
Depending on the aircraft, conditions, training objective, applicable standards, and instructor guidance, practice may include:
- clearing the area before the maneuver;
- using the aircraft-specific setup and configuration;
- recognizing increasing angle of attack and stall cues;
- maintaining directional control and coordination;
- reducing angle of attack promptly during recovery;
- managing power and configuration according to aircraft procedure;
- avoiding excessive rudder input;
- preventing a secondary stall during recovery.
Related flying skills
Track power-on stall practice
Last Practiced lets you record the date you practiced power-on 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.