SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-stall-recovery-reduce-aoa

What is the most important action in recovering from an impending or full stall?

Reduce the angle of attack, pushing the nose down.

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  1. Add full power right away
  2. Level the wings with aileron
  3. Reduce the angle of attack ✔

Why: Pilots have lost control by adding power or trying to hold altitude first. Lower the angle of attack until the stall warning stops, then roll level, add power and return to the flightpath.

Huh, didn't know that: Adding power reduces altitude loss in a stall recovery, but the FAA says it does not by itself end a stall.

The dad joke
How do you stop a stall? Push. How do you stop a stall at a car wash? Different handbook.
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References

Answer: Reduce the angle of attack. Pilots have lost control by adding power or trying to hold altitude first. Lower the angle of attack until the stall warning stops, then roll level, add power and return to the flightpath.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 5 Maintaining Aircraft Control 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 2026-10-09.

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