Power-Off Stall (13 Steps): Complete Recovery Procedure Guide
Let's get into a flying maneuver that can make even the most seasoned private pilot break out in a cold sweat: power-off stalls.
These daunting maneuvers require precision and quick thinking, making them an important skill for any student or experienced pilot to master.
Get ready to learn all 13 steps of this nerve-wracking maneuver that keeps us all on our toes.
Let’s get into a flying maneuver that can make even the most seasoned private pilot break out in a cold sweat: power-off stalls.
These maneuvers require precision and quick thinking, making them an important skill for any student or experienced pilot to master.
Because power-off stalls simulate a landing configuration, learning to recognize the warning signs—and recover correctly—can make the difference between a smooth touchdown and an unsafe situation.
Ready to learn the steps? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Power-Off Stall?
A power-off stall occurs when an aircraft is configured like it’s on approach to land (reduced power, typically with flaps extended and sometimes gear down), and the wing reaches the critical angle of attack.
When that critical angle is exceeded, airflow separates from the wing, lift decreases sharply, and the aircraft can no longer maintain altitude. Many aircraft will provide warning signs such as buffet or a stall horn before the stall fully develops.
Practicing power-off stall recovery helps pilots learn to recognize stalls early and respond correctly in the phase of flight where altitude margins are often smaller.
Why Do Stalls Occur?
Stalls aren’t caused by the engine “quitting” or a specific airspeed number. A stall happens when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack and can’t produce enough lift to stay flying.
The key concept to remember: angle of attack is the cause. Airspeed, configuration, and load factor influence when you reach that critical angle, but the stall itself is an aerodynamic event.
How to Perform Power-Off Stalls
Power-off stalls are a required training maneuver because they simulate a landing scenario—where slow speeds and configuration changes make stall awareness crucial.
Always practice stalls with a qualified instructor and follow the procedures for your specific aircraft and the FAA Airman Certification Standards. (Your source already references the ACS; keep that link if desired.)
Pre-Maneuver Setup
1. Choose a safe practice area. Pick a location with suitable emergency landing options (open fields) and clear of congested areas.
2. Set altitude and heading. Select a safe entry altitude (commonly no lower than 1,500' AGL for single-engine land training) and note your heading—you’ll want to return to it during recovery.
3. Clear the area. Perform clearing turns and continue scanning for traffic throughout the maneuver.
Entering the Maneuver
4. Reduce power and maintain altitude. Slow to normal approach speed, adjust pitch and trim, and apply carb heat if equipped and required by your procedures.
Performing the Stall
5. Configure for landing. Enter the flap operating range (white arc) and extend flaps in increments as appropriate for your aircraft.
6. Reduce power to idle. Maintain altitude initially—avoid letting the nose drop early.
7. Increase pitch to hold altitude. Smoothly raise the nose to prevent descent and maintain controlled back pressure.
8. Continue increasing angle of attack. Maintain coordination with rudder and keep wings level until the stall occurs (imminent or full).
9. Recognize the stall. Expect stall cues such as the stall horn, buffet, and a noticeable break (nose drop) depending on aircraft type and how fully developed the stall becomes.
Power-Off Stall Recovery
10. Reduce angle of attack. Release enough back pressure to break the stall (lower the nose) and reestablish airflow.
11. Add power and maintain coordination. Apply power smoothly while correcting for left-turning tendencies with proper right rudder.
12. Establish a positive climb. Stop the descent and confirm a positive rate of climb before retracting flaps.
13. Retract flaps gradually and return to cruise. Retract flaps one notch at a time while maintaining climb and airspeed, then transition to cruise flight and complete the appropriate checklist.
Common Errors for Power-Off Stalls
Power-off stalls are simple in concept, but a few common mistakes can quickly make the maneuver sloppy or unsafe:
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Skipping clearing turns or failing to maintain an active traffic scan during the maneuver.
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Improper pitch attitude during entry (letting the aircraft descend too early or pitching too abruptly).
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Uncoordinated flight (skid/slip), increasing spin risk.
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Fixating on instruments instead of flying the aircraft and recognizing aerodynamic cues.
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Failing to disconnect autopilot (if installed/engaged) before the maneuver.
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Over-aggressive recovery leading to excessive airspeed or excessive altitude loss.
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Climbing too steeply after recovery and triggering a secondary stall.
Power-On Stalls
A power-on stall is different from a power-off stall. It typically happens with higher power settings (often takeoff or climb power), where excessive pitch causes the aircraft to reach the critical angle of attack.
This maneuver is designed to help pilots recognize stall characteristics and recovery techniques in a takeoff/climb scenario—where torque, P-factor, and left-turning tendencies are more pronounced.
As with power-off stalls, smooth recovery is critical to avoid a secondary stall during the pull-out.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the main purpose of practicing power-off stalls?
Power-off stalls simulate approach-to-landing conditions, helping you recognize stall warnings and recover correctly when you’re slow, configured to land, and closer to the ground.
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Do stalls happen at a specific airspeed?
No. Stalls happen when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack. Airspeed, weight, load factor, and configuration change when you reach that angle.
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What are common warning signs of an impending stall?
Depending on the aircraft: stall horn, aerodynamic buffet, mushy controls, reduced control effectiveness, and a need for higher pitch to maintain altitude.
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What is the first action in stall recovery?
Reduce the angle of attack (lower the nose enough to break the stall) to reattach airflow and regain lift.
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How do pilots accidentally create a secondary stall?
By pulling too aggressively during recovery before the aircraft has regained sufficient airspeed and lift—especially with flaps still extended.
Takeaway
Mastering stall practice isn’t just about memorizing steps—it’s about learning to recognize what the aircraft is telling you and responding smoothly and correctly.
Power-off stalls build confidence for approach and landing scenarios, while reinforcing the most important stall lesson of all: reduce angle of attack first, then recover to stable flight.
Want to learn about flight maneuvers?
Our guides are designed to help student pilots and private pilots build safer, more confident skills:
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The Chandelle Maneuver: What it is and Why You Should Learn to Fly it
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How To Fly Turns Around A Point (Complete Guide + Lesson Plan)
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