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 experience 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:

  • Paper, Pen, 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
  • Aids: None

Power-Off Stalls Case Studies:

  • Power-Off Stalls Studies:

    • NTSB Identification: CEN24LA219:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the glider while landing. Contributing to the accident was the unclear communications between the student pilot and instructor
    • NTSB Identification: WPR24LA163:
      • The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and abnormal contact with the runway. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot’s improper landing flare and go-around

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:

  • CA.VII.B.K1:

    Aerodynamics associated with stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

  • CA.VII.B.K2:

    Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.

  • CA.VII.B.K3:

    Factors and situations that can lead to a power-off stall and actions that can be taken to prevent it.

  • CA.VII.B.K4:

    Fundamentals of stall recovery.

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: