PA.IX.B.R5FAA-S-ACS-6C · 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 loss of control in-flight accidents are the result of 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. In a low-level gliding steep turn during an engine failure emergency, excessive rudder deflection in the direction of the bank while increasing elevator back pressure can rapidly turn into an unrecoverable spin.

FAA references

  1. RMH Glossary — FAA-H-8083-2A
  2. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-4) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  3. AIH ch. 9 (pp. 9-9–9-10) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  4. AFH ch. 3 (pp. 3-23–3-24) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  5. AIH ch. 10 (p. 10-9) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  6. PHAK ch. 9 (p. 9-4) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  7. PHAK ch. 2 (pp. 2-23–2-24) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  8. RMH ch. 6 (p. 6-3) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  9. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-18) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  10. AFH ch. 13 (pp. 13-19–13-20) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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