Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On Stalls Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area VII, Task C

The Private Pilot (Airplane) Power-On Stalls Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with Power-On Stalls.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On Stalls Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Power-On Stalls:
    1:15
    Part 3, Power-On Stalls Risk Management:
    1:15
    Part 4, Power-On Stalls Guided Sceneario:
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    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 and make prompt, positive, and effective recoveries with minimum altitude loss; use the landing gear up when operating a retractable-gear airplane.
    • Power-on stalls simulate a stall from normal takeoff and departure

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Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On Stalls Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On 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, Power-On Stalls:
    • Observe clearing, class-appropriate recovery-height margin, assigned takeoff/departure/cruise configuration and power, and coordinated setup within aircraft limitations. Identify and correct observed deviations; brief safe exercise limits and control-transfer responsibilities. (PA.VII.C.S1) (PA.VII.C.S2) (PA.VII.C.S3) (PA.VII.C.S4)
    • Observe a smooth pitch transition to the power-on stall with assigned heading or bank, recognition of impending-stall cues, and prompt aircraft-specific recovery after the full stall. Identify and correct observed deviations. (PA.VII.C.S5) (PA.VII.C.S6) (PA.VII.C.S7) (PA.VII.C.S8) (PA.VII.C.S9) (PA.VII.C.S10)
    • Observe manufacturer-directed recovery configuration and acceleration to VX or VY, return to assigned flight conditions, and appropriate single-pilot or crew resource management. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards; brief safe exercise limits and control-transfer responsibilities. (PA.VII.C.S11)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain the aerodynamics associated with stalls and the factors that increase or decrease stall speed. (PA.VII.C.K1)
    • Discuss power-on stalls, including operating situations, preventive actions, aircraft-specific characteristics, and recognition of impending- and full-stall cues. (PA.VII.C.K2) (PA.VII.C.K3) (PA.VII.C.R1) (PA.VII.C.R2) (PA.VII.C.R3)
      • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply departure, obstacle-clearance and go-around stall precursors and appropriate entry setup.
      • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain aircraft-specific stall cues and warning-system limitations, including AOA (angle of attack) indications.
      • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply coordinated pitch and rudder control as power, airspeed and angle of attack change.
      • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply recovery with power already applied and control of go-around trim forces.
      • Brief traffic, terrain, weather and recovery margins and prioritizing control over distractions.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply power-on stall recovery fundamentals and procedure. (PA.VII.C.K4) (PA.VII.C.R4)
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply power-on stalls common errors.
  • Part 3, Power-On Stalls Risk Management:
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain currency vs. proficiency and how that plays into performing self-assessments.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain secondary stalls, accelerated stalls, elevator trim stalls, and cross-control stalls. (PA.VII.C.R5)
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain how turbulence, microbursts, high-density altitude, and other environmental factors affect power-on stall performance and recovery margins. (PA.VII.C.R6)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain collision hazards (PA.VII.C.R7)
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain considerations when operating unfamiliar aircraft or avionics.
    • Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain flight deck management, including distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation. (PA.VII.C.R8)
  • Part 4, Power-On Stalls Guided Sceneario:
    • Present a realistic power on stalls scenario and have the learner identify hazards, make appropriate decisions, and explain the proposed course of action.
  • 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On 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 higher than normal angles of attack
    • Discuss compounding hazards with go-arounds and density altitude
  • In air, set a simulated field elevation at approximately 2000+ feet AGL (Above Ground Level)
    • Complete the power-on stall procedure, but allow time to stabilize in a climb
    • 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:
    • Use the related interactive scenarios linked below.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On Stalls Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On Stalls Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On Stalls Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with power-on 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.
Knowledge 4 ACS Elements
Risk Management 8 ACS Elements
Skills 11 ACS Elements
  • PA.VII.C.S1:
    Clear the area.
  • PA.VII.C.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).
  • PA.VII.C.S3:
    Establish the takeoff, departure, or cruise configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
  • PA.VII.C.S4:
    Set power (as assigned by the evaluator) to no less than 65 percent power.
  • PA.VII.C.S5:
    Transition smoothly from the takeoff or departure attitude to the pitch attitude that induces a stall.
  • PA.VII.C.S6:
    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.
  • PA.VII.C.S7:
    Acknowledge cues of the impending stall and then recover promptly after a full stall occurs.
  • PA.VII.C.S8:
    Execute a stall recovery in accordance with procedures set forth in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Flight Manual (FM).
  • PA.VII.C.S10:
    Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.
  • PA.VII.C.S11:
    Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Power On Stalls Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Power on 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 Power on 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.