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AI.VII.O.R5FAA-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

Loss of control in-flight (LOC-I) 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. A stalled condition must exist for an airplane to spin, and at the stall the presence or introduction of a yawing moment can initiate spin entry. The FAA recommends a stabilized approach concept: to the greatest extent practical, on final approach and within 500 feet AGL, the airplane should be on speed, in trim, and configured for landing.

FAA references

  1. RMH Glossary — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  3. AFH ch. 13 (pp. 13-19–13-20) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. PHAK ch. 12 (p. 12-8) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  5. AFH ch. 17 (p. 17-13) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  6. AIH ch. 10 (p. 10-9) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  7. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  8. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-20) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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