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Since stalls are the cause of much concern
among student pilots and the nonflying public, we will discuss
them here. We mentioned that an airplane must attain flying speed
in order to take off. Sufficient airspeed must be maintained
in flight to produce enough lift to support the airplane without
requiring too large an angle of attack. At a specific angle of
attack, called the critical angle of attack, air going over a
wing will separate from the wing or "burble" (see
figure 5-8 ), causing the wing to lose its lift (stall). The
airspeed at which the wing will not support the airplane without
exceeding this critical angle of attack is called the stalling
speed. This speed will vary with changes in wing configuration
(flap position). Excessive load factors caused by sudden
maneuvers, steep banks, and wind gusts can also cause the
aircraft to exceed the critical angle of attack and thus stall at
any airspeed and any attitude. Speeds permitting smooth flow of
air over the airfoil and control surfaces must be maintained to
control the airplane.
Flying an airplane, like other skills that are learned, requires practice to remain proficient. Professional pilots for the major airlines, military pilots, and flight instructors all return to the classroom periodically for updating their skills. Good judgment must be exercised by all pilots to ensure the safe and skillful operation of the airplanes they fly.
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Updated:March 12, 2004