AA.VI.H.R5FAA-S-ACS-11A · Nov 2023Risk management

Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

Bottom line

Loss of control in-flight is an accident caused by the pilot not maintaining control of the airplane, and many LOC-I accidents result from stalls, spins, or accelerated maneuvers. Controlled flight into terrain often results from continued VFR flight into areas with a low ceiling or low visibility, flight at night, or incorrect interpretation of a chart. The most important stall recovery step is to reduce the angle of attack; after the stall warning is eliminated, roll the wings level and add power as needed.

FAA references

  1. RMH Glossary — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. AFH ch. 13 (pp. 13-18–13-19) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-6) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. IPH App. A (p. A-4) — FAA-H-8083-16B
  6. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-8) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  7. IFH ch. 5 (p. 5-34) — FAA-H-8083-15B
  8. IFH ch. 3 (p. 3-6) — FAA-H-8083-15B
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