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AI.IX.A.R3FAA-S-ACS-25 · 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

Many LOC-I accidents are the result of stalls, spins, or accelerated maneuvers. CFIT often results from continued VFR flight into areas with a low ceiling or low visibility, flight at night, incorrect interpretation of a chart, flight at high density altitude, flight in mountainous terrain, or intentionally flying too low. Pilots should be aware that a spin recovery will take considerable altitude; therefore, it is critical that corrective action be taken immediately.

FAA references

  1. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. AFH ch. 13 (pp. 13-18–13-19) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  3. AFH ch. 17 (p. 17-13) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. AFH ch. 5, Accelerated Stalls (p. 5-19) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. PHAK ch. 17 (pp. 17-8–17-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  6. AFH ch. 9 (p. 9-13) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  7. AIH ch. 9 (pp. 9-9–9-10) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  8. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-36) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  9. AIH ch. 9 (p. 9-7) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  10. AIH ch. 9 (p. 9-10) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  11. RMH Glossary — FAA-H-8083-2A
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