Stall Rhetoric

Private Pilot License (PPL) Notes

This section covers the nature of airplane stalls, their characteristics, recovery techniques, and the importance of coordinated flight to ensure safe flying practices.

Introduction to Stalls

1. Some students may feel apprehensive about practicing stalls due to their negative connotation.
2. Stalls are transitory and easy to recover from by easing back pressure on the control wheel.
3. The loads during a stall are low because the aircraft is flying at a low speed.

Stall Characteristics and Recovery

1. During a stall, the airplane may roll to one side due to yawing movements.
2. The ball (slip-skid indicator) will be off-center during a stall.
3. To recover from a stall:
   1. Ease the elevator forward to reduce the angle of attack.
   2. Level the wings using coordinated use of aileron and rudder.
4. Keeping the ball centered during stall entry reduces the tendency to roll.

Importance of Coordinated Flight

1. Stalling in uncoordinated flight (ball far off-center) can lead to a spin if recovery is delayed.
2. In a spin:
   1. The nose is down, and the aircraft is stalled and flying slowly.
   2. One wing is more stalled than the other, causing rotation.
3. Recovery from a basic spin:
   1. Reduce power to idle.
   2. Apply rudder opposite to the direction of spin.
   3. Relax back pressure on the elevator to reduce the stall.
   4. Once rotation stops, pull out of the dive smoothly.

Spins and Spin Recovery

1. Most trainers will spin if recovery from an uncoordinated stall is delayed.
2. Contemporary airplanes resist spins, and the FAA does not require spin demonstrations for most pilots.
3. Students interested in experiencing a spin should seek instruction from an experienced instructor in a spin-approved aircraft.

Avoiding Unintentional Stalls and Spins

1. Stalls and spins are significant safety concerns, especially at low altitudes.
2. Many accidents occur during low-level maneuvers or when flying slowly at low altitudes.
3. Warning signs of impending stall/spin at low altitude:
   1. Holding a lot of aileron opposite the direction of turn indicates skidding (uncoordinated flight).
   2. The ball is not centered.
   3. Holding excessive back pressure indicates flying slower than trimmed speed.
4. Instinctive reaction:
   1. Move elevator control forward to reduce angle of attack when the airplane feels near a stall.
5. The goal is to control airspeed and angle of attack to prevent unintentional stalls or spins.

Practice and Developing Instincts

1. Practicing stalls at altitude helps develop instinctive recovery reactions.
2. While practicing stalls, relax and focus on developing these instincts.
3. This training can help prevent problems during actual flight situations.

Remember, the key is to develop an instinctive reaction to recognize and recover from stalls and to maintain coordinated flight to avoid spins. Practicing these maneuvers at altitude builds confidence and safety in flight operations.