# The Stall

> Understanding the aerodynamic stall, symptoms, and recovery.

- **Subject:** 081 — Principles of Flight
- **Section:** 081-03 — Stall, Mach Tuck and Upset Prevention and Recovery
- **Topic code:** 081-03-01
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-01
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/principles-of-flight/stall-mach-tuck-and-upset-prevention-and-recovery/the-stall/

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## Definition
A stall is a loss of lift caused by the **separation of airflow** from the upper surface of the wing when the **Critical Angle of Attack** ($C_{L_{max}}$ angle) is exceeded.
*   **Fundamental Rule**: A wing can stall at **any airspeed**, at **any attitude**, and at **any power setting**. It is purely a function of Angle of Attack.

## Symptoms of Approaching Stall
1.  **Low Airspeed**: Usually.
2.  **High Nose Attitude**: Often, but not always (e.g., deep stall).
3.  **Sloppy Controls**: Due to low airflow speed.
4.  **Buffet**: Turbulent airflow hitting the tailplane.
5.  **Stall Warning**:
    *   **Light Aircraft**: Reed horn (suction).
    *   **Large Aircraft**: Stick Shaker (artificial). Activates at approx 1.05-1.10 $V_{stall}$.

## Stall Characteristics
*   **Root Stall First**: Desirable. Ailerons (at tip) remain effective. Achieved by Washout (Twist).
*   **Tip Stall First**: Dangerous. Loss of roll control. Pitch up tendency (due to CP moving forward on swept wings). Used on swept wing jets.

## Recovery Procedure
1.  **Unload**: Push the nose DOWN (reduce Angle of Attack). This is the PRIMARY action.
2.  **Power**: Apply Max Power (TO/GA) to minimize altitude loss.
3.  **Roll**: Wings Level.
4.  **Climb**: Recover from dive.

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Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.