Power-Off Stalls
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with power-off stalls
  • 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

Attention:

  • Research a 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

Motivator:

  • Power-off stalls simulate a stall during the normal approach to landing
    • Should be set up in the landing configuration
  • Recoveries therefore train a pilot to make prompt, positive, and effective recoveries with a minimum loss of altitude
  • This stall may occur while descending in an actual or simulated emergency or in any power-off situation when airspeed is not controlled

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Power-Off Stalls:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Student Jacket, Paper & Pen or Marker & Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Power-Off Stalls 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
    • 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 impacts of transponder being in the improper mode
  • Discuss clearing the area for takeoff and potential recognition time of someone on final if low-visibility
  • Related scenarios:
    • None

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Power-Off Stalls Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with power-off stalls
  • 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

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Power-Off Stall Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Power-Off Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • CA.VII.B.R1:

    Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent power-off stall, spin, and loss of control.

  • CA.VII.B.R2:

    Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.).

  • CA.VII.B.R3:

    Stall warning(s) during normal operations.

  • CA.VII.B.R4:

    Stall recovery procedure.

  • CA.VII.B.R5:

    Secondary stalls, accelerated stalls, and cross-control stalls.

  • CA.VII.B.R6:

    Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to power-off stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

  • CA.VII.B.R7:

    Collision hazards.

  • CA.VII.B.R8:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Power-Off Stalls Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • CA.VII.B.S1:

    Clear the area.

  • CA.VII.B.S2:

    Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).

  • CA.VII.B.S3:

    Configure the airplane in the approach or landing configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.

  • CA.VII.B.S4:

    Establish a stabilized descent.

  • CA.VII.B.S5:

    Transition smoothly from the approach or landing attitude to a pitch attitude that induces a stall.

  • CA.VII.B.S6:

    Maintain a specified heading ±10°° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±5° if in turning flight, until an impending or full stall occurs, as specified by the evaluator.

  • CA.VII.B.S7:

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

  • CA.VII.B.S8:

    Execute a stall recovery in accordance with procedures set forth in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM).

  • CA.VII.B.S9:

    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.B.S10:

    Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

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

Conclusion: