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Power on Stalls

An introduction to

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Objective

Purpose

To ensure the applicant learns the purpose of and can exhibit a clear understanding of the power-on stall maneuver and how to perform the maneuver properly.

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Stalls are what happens when a wing ‘stops flying’. The power-on stall maneuver introduces pilots to a stall that might be encountered just after takeoff. Pilots will develop proficiency in proper stall awareness and recovery, as well as understanding the dangers of uncoordinated stalls.

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Power on Stall

Stall on/shortly after takeoff, in a turn, clearing obstacles

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Happens close to the ground

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Done to either:

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-Impending Stall

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-Full Stall

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Setting Up

H.A.C.L.

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Slow to 76 Knots

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Pull back throttle, slow down to Vy

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Full Throttle

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Pitch to 20°

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Add 20° Bank

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Hold to Stall

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Recovery

Full Stall

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Lower the nose

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Roll wings level

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Verify full power

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Regain airspeed

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Resume climb at Vy

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Common Errors

  • Failure to establish the specified configuration prior to entry

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  • Improper pitch, heading, yaw, and bank control during straight-ahead stalls.

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  • Improper pitch, yaw, and bank control during turning stalls.

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  • Rough and/or uncoordinated use of flight controls.

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  • Failure to recognize the first indications of a stall.
  • Failure to achieve a stall.

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  • Improper torque correction.

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  • Poor stall recognition and delayed recovery.

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  • Excessive altitude loss or excessive airspeed during recovery

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  • Secondary stall during recovery.

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Completion Standards

  • Maintain a specified heading, ±10° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±10° if in turning flight, while inducing the stall.

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  • Acknowledge cues of the impending stall and then recover promptly after a full stall occurs.

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Additional Resources

FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH), Chapter 4

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Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 5

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ACS: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor Airplane (Slow Flight, Stalls, and Spins)