CFI Topics: Demonstration stalls

Stalls. Demonstration Stalls.

Power-Off Stall

A stall that occurs during approach or landing, particularly during base-to-final turns or aggressive flaring.

Steps to Demonstrate Power-Off Stall

1. Clearing turns

2. Landing configuration

3. Power reduction to idle

4. Establish approach speed

5. Initiate stall by pitching up

6. Recognize stall indications

7. Recovery steps:

   1. Release back pressure immediately.

   2. Level wings.

   3. Apply power if needed.

   4. Return to straight-and-level flight.

Power-On Stall

A stall that occurs during takeoff or go-around when excessive pitch is applied with full power.

Steps to Demonstrate Power-On Stall

1. Clearing turns

2. Takeoff configuration

3. Apply full power

4. Pitch up smoothly

5. Hold pitch until stall

6. Recognize stall indications

7. Recovery steps:

   1. Reduce AOA immediately.

   2. Maintain full power.

   3. Level wings with rudder (avoid a spin).

   4. Return to climb attitude at Vx/Vy.

Accelerated Stall

A stall that occurs during steep turns or maneuvers that increase load factor, causing the stall to happen at a higher speed.

Steps to Demonstrate Accelerated Stall

1. Clearing turns

2. Clean configuration

3. Establish steep turn

4. Apply abrupt back pressure

5. Induce stall

6. Recognize stall indications

7. Recovery steps.

   1. Release back pressure immediately.

   2. Level wings.

   3. Apply power if needed.

   4. Return to straight-and-level flight.

General Teaching Points for All Stalls

Emphasize critical angle of attack, stall recognition, coordination, spin awareness, and calm recovery techniques.

Signs of a Stall

Buffeting, stall horn, nose drop, and wing drop are indications of an impending stall.

Angle of Attack (AOA)

The angle between the wing's chord line and the oncoming air; exceeding the critical angle leads to a stall.

Importance of Coordinated Control

Using rudder to maintain coordination and prevent spins during slow flight.

Cross-Controlled Stall

Occurs when a pilot uses excessive rudder (toward the turn) while applying opposite aileron, often during attempts to correct for overshooting the runway centerline, leading to asymmetric stall conditions.

Steps to demonstrate cross-controlled stalls

• Clearing Turns – Make sure airspace is safe.

• Configuration – Landing config (flaps as needed, gear down if applicable).

• Simulate Base-to-Final Turn – Begin a gentle turn.

• Introduce Cross-Control Inputs:

  • Apply inside rudder (skid the turn).

  • Apply opposite aileron to prevent further banking.

• Pitch Up – Simulate trying to "stretch" glide path to runway.

• Induce Stall – Stall develops quickly due to uncoordinated inputs.

• Recognize Stall – Often accompanied by wing drop and tendency to yaw (spin entry risk).

• Recovery:

  • Neutralize controls (rudder and aileron).

  • Reduce AOA.

  • Apply power.

  • Level wings with coordinated rudder input.

  • Return to safe flight attitude.

Cross-Controlled stalls knowledge to teach

• Cross-control stalls are highly asymmetric, leading to spins if not corrected immediately.

• Slips (with opposite rudder) are safe if done correctly—but skids (with inside rudder) are dangerous near the ground.

• Teach proper approach planning to avoid needing aggressive corrections.

• Reinforce coordinated flight, especially in the pattern.

Cross-Controlled Stalls teaching Focus

Difference between slip (safe, controlled) vs. skid (dangerous, especially low and slow).

• Real-world accident scenarios (stall/spin from base-to-final).

• Ball indicator importance: keep it centered.

• Spin awareness: A cross-controlled stall can quickly lead to an incipient spin if unchecked.