CFI Topics: Demonstration stalls

1⃣ Power-Off Stall (Approach to Landing Stall)

Scenario to Teach:

• Occurs during approach/landing, especially during base-to-final turns or when flaring too aggressively.

Steps to Demonstrate:

1. Clearing turns – Ensure area is safe.

2. Configuration – Landing config: full flaps, gear down (if retractable).

3. Power Reduction – Reduce to idle as if on final approach.

4. Establish Approach Speed – Trim for final approach speed (~65 knots typical).

5. Initiate Stall – Smoothly pitch up to simulate flare, increasing AOA.

6. Recognize Stall – Indications: buffet, stall horn, nose drop.

7. Recovery:

   • Reduce AOA immediately.

   • Apply full power.

   • Retract flaps incrementally as needed.

   • Climb at Vx/Vy.

Knowledge to Teach:

• Why power-off stalls are critical near the ground.

• How improper pitch or uncoordinated turns increase risk.

• Importance of stabilized approaches.

• How to avoid by managing approach speeds and attitudes.

2⃣ Power-On Stall (Departure Stall)

Scenario to Teach:

• Occurs during takeoff or go-around when excessive pitch is applied, especially with full power.

Steps to Demonstrate:

1. Clearing turns – Ensure area is safe.

2. Configuration – Takeoff config: flaps set (per POH), climb pitch.

3. Apply Full Power – Or at least 65%.

4. Pitch Up – Smoothly raise nose to takeoff attitude and beyond.

5. Hold Pitch – Maintain until stall occurs.

6. Recognize Stall – Indications: buffet, stall horn, nose drop, wing drop.

7. Recovery:

   • Reduce AOA immediately.

   • Maintain full power.

   • Level wings with rudder (avoid a spin).

   • Return to climb attitude at Vx/Vy.

Knowledge to Teach:

• Dangers during takeoff/go-around.

• Effects of high power + high AOA.

• Importance of rudder use during slow flight.

• Spin awareness and how poor coordination can lead to a spin.

3⃣ Accelerated Stall

Scenario to Teach:

• Occurs during steep turns or abrupt maneuvers where load factor increases (e.g., base-to-final overshoot corrections).

Steps to Demonstrate:

1. Clearing turns – Ensure area is safe.

2. Configuration – Clean (no flaps).

3. Establish Steep Turn – 45° or greater, coordinated.

4. Abrupt Back Pressure – Increase load factor intentionally.

5. Induce Stall – Stall occurs at a higher-than-normal airspeed.

6. Recognize Stall – Buffeting, nose drop, higher-speed stall break.

7. Recovery:

   • Release back pressure immediately.

   • Level wings.

   • Apply power if needed.

   • Return to straight-and-level flight.

Knowledge to Teach:

• Stalls can happen at any speed if AOA exceeds critical value.

• Load factor increases stall speed (Vₛ increases with bank).

• Real-world scenarios: tight turns, turbulence during turns, abrupt maneuvers.

• Importance of smooth, coordinated control inputs.

🧠 General Teaching Points for All Stalls:

• Emphasize critical angle of attack over airspeed.

• Teach stall recognition: feel, sound, visual cues.

• Stress coordination: use of rudder to prevent spins.

• Discuss spin awareness, but spin entry and recovery is a separate required maneuver for CFI.

• Encourage calm, immediate recovery techniques.

4⃣ Cross-Controlled Stall

Scenario to Teach:

• Occurs when the pilot tries to compensate for overshooting the runway centerline by applying excessive rudder (toward the turn) while holding opposite aileron.

• Most dangerous at low altitudes (e.g., during landing pattern).

Steps to Demonstrate:

1. Clearing Turns – Make sure airspace is safe.

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

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

4. Introduce Cross-Control Inputs:

   • Apply inside rudder (skid the turn).

   • Apply opposite aileron to prevent further banking.

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

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

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

8. Recovery:

   • Neutralize controls (rudder and aileron).

   • Reduce AOA.

   • Apply power.

   • Level wings with coordinated rudder input.

   • Return to safe flight attitude.

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.

🧠 Teaching Focus for Cross-Controlled Stall:

• 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.