Theory of Flight

6.07 Stalls
References: FTGU pages 18, 35-38

6.07 Stalls
Laminar Flow
Definition of a Stall
Centre of Pressure
Critical Angle of Attack
Stalls
Factors affecting stalls

Laminar Flow
Boundary Layer The thin layer of
airflow over the wing
Laminar Layer Smooth portion of the
boundary layer nearest the leading edge
of the wing
Transition/Separation Point Point on
wing where the boundary layer becomes
turbulent
Turbulent layer Turbulent portion of
the boundary layer at the trailing edge of
the wing

Stall

What is a stall?

Stall
When a wing or aerofoil has air flow separation increasing
the drag and reducing the lift
No longer capable of producing enough lift to counteract
the weight of the aircraft
As a result, can no longer maintain level flight

Centre of Pressure
Point on a wing where total aerodynamic pressure acts

Centre of Pressure
Centre of pressure moves forward as the angle of attack
increases to the point of a stall
After a stall the centre of pressure moves rapidly back
If the CoP moves forward of the CG it causes an aeroplane
to become unstable, nose of the aeroplane does not drop at
the stall

Critical Angle of Attack

The AoA above which
airflow will separate and
become turbulent

The wing stall will occur

at any speed

Critical Angle of Attack

Most aerofoil or wing
designs have a stall angle
of 15 to 20

Stall
Centre of pressure and separation
point move forward to point of stall
and lift production is increased
Angle of attack is increased beyond
critical angle of attack
Wing stops producing lift and stalls
Centre of pressure moves rapidly
backward

Stall
Symptoms of a Stall
Buffeting

Factors affecting a Stall

Position of the Centre of Gravity, more forward CG the
higher the Vs
Weight, increase in wt = increase in Vs
Turbulence, changes the load factor as well as sudden
changes in AoA (greater then the critical AoA)
Turns, increases the load factor which increases the Vs
Snow, Frost, Ice cause early airfoil separation causing an
increase in Vs

Factors affecting a Stall

Centre of Gravity (CG)
CG forward
Loading on the horizontal tail
surfaces increases
Overall weight of aircraft increases
Vs increases
CG aft
Decreased longitudinal stability
Violent stall characteristics
Poor or NO stall recovery (very
dangerous!)
Vs decreases

Factors affecting a Stall

Weight
The more weight on an aircraft means that it must fly at
a higher AoA (for a given speed)
Therefore the critical AoA will be reached at a higher
airspeed (instead of stalling at 40 kt stalls at 50 kt)
Attitude to fly straight and
level
2500 lbs, at 90 kt (closer
to the critical A of A)
1000 lbs, at 90 kt

Start of a

End of a

Factors affecting a Stall

Turbulence
Upward vertical currents cause the aeroplanes AoA to
increase
Could result in the aeroplane stalling of the critical AoA is
reached, more likely at reduced speeds (approach)

Factors affecting a Stall

Turns
As angle of bank increases the load factor also increases
Therefore, an increased angle of attack is required to
maintain level flight in a turn
Subsequently, the stall speed in a turn increases, just like
adding more weight to the aircraft

Turns and Stall Speeds

Factors affecting a Stall

Snow, Frost, and Ice
Accumulation of snow, frost, and ice reduce a wings
ability to produce lift
Increase in Vs

Factors affecting a Stall

Increase Vs
Forward CG
Increased weight
Turbulence
Greater angle of bank
Decrease Vs
Aft CG
Decreased weight

Recovery from a stall of any kind is actually

quite simple.... Reduce the angle of attack
and add power.

Confirmation Check

Confirmation
1.

Draw the movement of the C of P leading up to the stall.

2.

What are some factors that increase the stall speed?

Confirmation
3. When can an aircraft stall?

4. What are the symptoms of a stall?

Stall Recovery