Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area VII, Task D

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with accelerated stalls (power-on or power-off).

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Accelerated Stalls:
    0:30
    Part 3, Accelerated Stalls Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 4, Accelerated Stalls Guided Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
    • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
    • Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap
    • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

  • Motivator:

    • Helps recognize the indications of an imminent or full stall during power-on situations with the landing gear down and to make prompt, positive, and effective recoveries with a minimum loss of altitude
    • Accelerated Stalls simulate a stall from normal takeoff and departure

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Review the maneuver's common errors and assess the learner's understanding of their mitigations.
  • Review the supporting-topic common errors and assess the learner's understanding of their mitigations.
  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Accelerated Stalls:
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the aerodynamics associated with accelerated stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationships among angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects. (CA.VII.D.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how airplane design affects stall characteristics and how to recognize impending- and full-stall indications by sight, sound, and feel. (CA.VII.D.K2)
    • Have the learner identify factors that lead to an accelerated stall and actions that prevent one. (CA.VII.D.K3)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the fundamentals of stall recovery and the priorities of reducing angle of attack, maintaining coordination, applying appropriate power, and returning to the desired flightpath. (CA.VII.D.K4)
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply accelerated stalls.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply the accelerated-stall and recovery procedure.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply accelerated-stall common errors.
    • Discuss accelerated-stall airman certification standards.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply case studies.
    • Conclusion.
  • Part 3, Accelerated Stalls Risk Management:
    • Have the learner identify and mitigate factors or situations that could lead to an inadvertent accelerated stall, spin, or loss of control. (CA.VII.D.R1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain the range and limitations of stall-warning indications, including aircraft buffet, an aural warning, or other installed indications. (CA.VII.D.R2)
    • Recognize and respond appropriately to stall warnings encountered during normal operations. (CA.VII.D.R3)
    • Manage risks associated with the stall-recovery procedure, including excessive altitude loss, secondary stalls, and failure to maintain coordination. (CA.VII.D.R4)
    • Prevent secondary stalls, cross-control stalls, and spins during entry, recovery, and return to normal flight. (CA.VII.D.R5)
    • Assess the effects of environmental elements on accelerated-stall performance, including turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude. (CA.VII.D.R6)
    • Identify and mitigate collision hazards by selecting an appropriate practice area, clearing the area, and maintaining awareness of traffic, terrain, and obstacles. (CA.VII.D.R7)
    • Manage distractions, prioritize tasks, maintain situational awareness, and recognize conditions that could cause disorientation. (CA.VII.D.R8)
  • Part 4, Accelerated Stalls Guided Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Present a realistic accelerated-stall scenario and have the learner identify hazards, make appropriate decisions, and explain the proposed course of action.
    • Require the learner to clear the area. (CA.VII.D.S1)
    • Require the learner to select an entry altitude that permits completion no lower than 3,000 feet AGL. (CA.VII.D.S2)
    • Require the learner to establish the configuration specified by the evaluator. (CA.VII.D.S3)
    • Require the learner to set power appropriate for the configuration without exceeding maneuvering speed (VA) or another applicable POH/AFM limitation. (CA.VII.D.S4)
    • Require the learner to establish and maintain a coordinated 45°-bank turn while smoothly and firmly increasing elevator back pressure until an impending stall occurs. (CA.VII.D.S5)
    • Require the learner to acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall. (CA.VII.D.S6)
    • Require the learner to execute the stall recovery prescribed by the POH/AFM. (CA.VII.D.S7)
    • Require the learner to configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer and accelerate to best angle-of-climb speed (VX) or best rate-of-climb speed (VY). (CA.VII.D.S8)
    • Require the learner to return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator. (CA.VII.D.S9)
  • Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
  • Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Ground:
    • Discuss hazards while operating at or below the traffic pattern altitude, relating hazards to the training airfield, as appropriate
    • Discuss reasons for shallowing descent on final approach (birds, another airplane, descending below glide slope, rising terrain, etc.)
    • Discuss compounding hazards with a base-to-final turn
  • In air, set a simulated field elevation at approximately 2500+ feet AGL (Above Ground Level)
    • Complete the power-off stall procedure, but allow time to stabilize on a simulated approach
    • Provide the student with a reason to pull back on the elevator, note the altitude at which the student initates the stall
    • Upon recovery, note the altitude, and ensure safe recovery
    • While the student establishes a stabilized climb, note the altitude lost in the maneuver, and discuss the results
  • Discuss clearing the maneuvering area and the time required to detect conflicting traffic when visibility is reduced.
  • Related scenarios:
    • None
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with accelerated stalls (power-on or power-off)
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
  • References: AC 61-67; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
Risk Management 8 ACS Elements
  • CA.VII.D.R1:
    Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent accelerated stall, spin, and loss of control.
  • CA.VII.D.R2:
    Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.).
  • CA.VII.D.R3:
    Stall warning(s) during normal operations.
  • CA.VII.D.R4:
    Stall recovery procedure.
  • CA.VII.D.R5:
    Secondary stalls, cross-control stalls, and spins.
  • CA.VII.D.R6:
    Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to accelerated stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).
  • CA.VII.D.R7:
    Collision hazards.
  • CA.VII.D.R8:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 9 ACS Elements
  • CA.VII.D.S1:
    Clear the area.
  • CA.VII.D.S2:
    Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).
  • CA.VII.D.S3:
    Establish the configuration as specified by the evaluator.
  • CA.VII.D.S4:
    Set power appropriate for the configuration, such that the airspeed does not exceed the maneuvering speed (VA) or any other applicable Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) limitation.
  • CA.VII.D.S5:
    Establish and maintain a coordinated turn in a 45° bank, increasing elevator back pressure smoothly and firmly until an impending stall is reached.
  • CA.VII.D.S6:
    Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
  • CA.VII.D.S7:
    Acknowledge cues of the impending stall and then recover promptly after a full stall occurs.
  • CA.VII.D.S8:
    Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).
  • CA.VII.D.S9:
    Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Accelerated Stalls Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Accelerated Stalls strengthens the coordination, energy awareness, and precise control needed to keep the airplane within safe aerodynamic limits.
    • Recognizing changes in angle of attack, load factor, control effectiveness, wind drift, and developing errors allows pilots to correct before safety margins disappear.
    • Structured practice builds visual awareness, aircraft feel, checklist discipline, and the judgment required to discontinue or recover when a maneuver becomes unstable.
    • Mastery of Accelerated Stalls provides a foundation for the more precise and complex aircraft-control tasks encountered in later training.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.