SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-stall-recovery-first-action

What is the most important first action to recover from an impending stall?

Reduce the angle of attack before anything else.

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  1. Reduce the angle of attack ✔
  2. Add full power and hold altitude
  3. Raise the nose to stop the sink

Why: Lowering the nose unloads the wing and gets it flying again. The FAA notes pilots have lost control by putting power and holding altitude ahead of reducing angle of attack.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA's generic stall recovery procedure was adapted from a template developed by major airplane manufacturers.

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What's a stalled pilot's favorite advice? Nose down, spirits up.
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References

Answer: Reduce the angle of attack. Lowering the nose unloads the wing and gets it flying again. The FAA notes pilots have lost control by putting power and holding altitude ahead of reducing angle of attack.

  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
    the most important action to an impending stall or a full stall is to reduce the AOA.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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