Stall Recovery
Stall recovery begins by reducing the wing's angle of attack below the critical angle of attack, then returning the airplane to controlled flight while minimizing unnecessary loss of altitude.
What causes an aerodynamic stall
An aerodynamic stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack. It is fundamentally an angle-of-attack event rather than an event caused by one particular airspeed.
A stall can therefore occur at different indicated airspeeds depending on load factor, configuration, weight, maneuvering, and other conditions.
Recognition
Pilots should recognize the cues associated with an approaching or developed stall. These may include changes in control feel, buffet, aircraft response, stall warning systems, or other aircraft-specific indications.
The exact cues vary by airplane, which is one reason training should be conducted using the procedures and guidance appropriate to the aircraft.
Reduce angle of attack
The fundamental recovery action is to reduce angle of attack below the critical angle of attack so the wing can return to unstalled flight.
Other recovery actions are important, but adding power alone does not remove an aerodynamic stall if excessive angle of attack is maintained.
Power and flight path
Power is applied as appropriate to the aircraft and situation while the pilot maintains control and establishes a safe flight path.
The amount and timing of power, configuration changes, and pitch adjustments depend on aircraft procedure and the circumstances of the stall.
Coordination
Maintaining appropriate coordination is important during stall recovery. Excessive or inappropriate rudder input can aggravate yaw and may contribute to spin development.
Recovery inputs should be deliberate and consistent with the aircraft's approved procedure.
Common stall recovery errors
- failing to reduce angle of attack sufficiently;
- attempting to recover with power alone;
- using abrupt or excessive control inputs;
- poor rudder coordination;
- premature configuration changes;
- creating a secondary stall during recovery;
- failing to follow the aircraft-specific recovery procedure.
Why pilots practice stall recovery
Stall training helps pilots recognize the aerodynamic condition before or as it develops and reinforces the correct recovery priority.
It also connects stall awareness with slow flight, takeoff, approach, landing, maneuvering, and other situations in which angle of attack and load factor can change.
Useful practice considerations
Depending on the aircraft, conditions, training objective, applicable standards, and instructor guidance, practice may include:
- clearing the practice area;
- recognizing indications of an approaching stall;
- understanding the relationship between angle of attack and stall;
- reducing angle of attack promptly during recovery;
- applying power according to aircraft procedure;
- maintaining appropriate coordination;
- managing configuration changes in the correct sequence;
- avoiding a secondary stall during the return to normal flight.
Related flying skills
Track stall recovery practice
Last Practiced lets you record the date you practiced stall recovery 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.