FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsHard
During a power-on stall recovery, an applicant notices the airplane beginning to yaw and roll toward one wing as the stall breaks. The most critical control input to prevent the yaw from developing into a spin is:
- AApplying opposite aileron to level the wings immediately
- BApplying coordinated rudder to counteract the yaw while keeping ailerons neutral
- CReducing power immediately to stop the yawing tendency
- DIncreasing back pressure on the yoke to maintain altitude
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Applying coordinated rudder to counteract the yaw while keeping ailerons neutral
At high angles of attack, aileron use can increase adverse yaw and induce a spin; the correct technique is to use coordinated rudder to counteract yaw while keeping the wings level primarily with rudder, not aileron, until angle of attack is reduced.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Aileron input near the stall can aggravate adverse yaw and precipitate a spin entry.
- C. Reducing power does not address the yaw and delays the standard recovery sequence.
- D. Adding back pressure increases angle of attack and worsens the stall.
Yaw Control in Power-On Stall Recovery
At high angles of attack, rudder—not aileron—should be used to counteract yaw and prevent a spin entry during stall recovery.
- Aileron can increase adverse yaw near critical AOA
- Rudder is the primary control for directional correction at high AOA
- Reducing angle of attack is the first priority in any stall recovery
- Coordinated rudder use helps prevent spin entry
Memory trick: 'Feet fix the yaw, hands wait for the roll' — rudder first near the stall.