SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-stall-critical-aoa

What does a wing always have to do to stall?

Exceed the critical angle of attack, at any airspeed.

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  1. Exceed the critical angle of attack ✔
  2. Fly below its published stall speed
  3. Lose engine power

Why: A stall happens when the wing passes its critical angle of attack. The published stall speed only applies to 1 G flight at one weight and configuration. Pull hard enough and you can stall at any speed.

Huh, didn't know that: Higher load factor, weight, CG position and flap setting all change the speed at which a stall occurs.

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Why didn't the businessman's airplane business become successful? Because it wouldn't take off.
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References

Answer: Exceed the critical angle of attack. A stall happens when the wing passes its critical angle of attack. The published stall speed only applies to 1 G flight at one weight and configuration. Pull hard enough and you can stall at any speed.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 5, Maintaining Aircraft Control (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    a stall is the result of exceeding the critical AOA, not of insufficient airspeed.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. PHAK ch 5, Aerodynamics of Flight (FAA-H-8083-25C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/07_phak_ch5_0.pdf
    Any aircraft, within the limits of its structure, may be stalled at any airspeed.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. Airplane Flying Handbook ch 5, Maintaining Aircraft Control (FAA-H-8083-3C) www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    Increased load factor directly affects stall speed (as well as do other factors such as gross weight, center of gravity, and flap setting).
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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