SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-nose-low-recovery

In a nose-low unusual attitude with rising airspeed, what should happen first?

Reduce power to prevent excessive airspeed.

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  1. Pull back before leveling
  2. Reduce power ✔
  3. Extend full flaps

Why: Rising airspeed calls for less power. Level the wings with coordinated aileron and rudder, then raise the nose with smooth back pressure.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA warns that the instinctive reaction to a nose-down attitude is to pull back on the elevator.

The dad joke
Why did the pilot ease off the throttle in the dive? The airplane was already in a hurry.
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References

Answer: Reduce power. Rising airspeed calls for less power. Level the wings with coordinated aileron and rudder, then raise the nose with smooth back pressure.

  1. Instrument Flying Handbook www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/pilots/FAA-H-8083-15B.pdf
    If the airspeed is increasing, or is above the desired airspeed, reduce power to prevent excessive airspeed and loss of altitude.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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