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AI.X.B.R4FAA-S-ACS-25 · Nov 2023Risk management

Inadvertent exceedance of the critical angle of attack.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Inadvertent exceedance of the critical angle of attack.

Bottom line

The direct cause of every stall is an excessive angle of attack (AOA). The stall does not occur until the AOA becomes excessive, and this critical AOA varies from 16°–20° depending on the airplane design. Extra vigilance is required at reduced thrust settings and low speeds so as not to exceed the critical angle of attack.

FAA references

  1. AIH ch. 9 (pp. 9-9–9-10) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  2. AFH ch. 5, Angle of Attack (p. 5-9) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  3. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-3) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  4. AFH ch. 5, Slow Flight (p. 5-10) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-26) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  6. AIH ch. 9 (p. 9-9) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  7. AFH ch. 1 (pp. 1-13–1-14) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  8. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-27) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  9. PHAK ch. 5 (p. 5-36) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  10. AFH ch. 5, Accelerated Stalls (p. 5-19) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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