Accelerated stalls are often briefly introduced during training, but many pilots never truly revisit them after a checkride, and that’s a problem. The reason why? Because accelerated stalls can happen at higher airspeeds, lower altitudes, and in situations pilots regularly encounter. Let’s take a further look at them as Jamie demonstrates them in Day 26 of the 31-Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2026.
What Accelerated Stalls Really Are
An accelerated stall occurs when an aircraft stalls at a higher airspeed than its published stall speed. This happens because the aircraft is under increased load factor, typically during a bank, where lift is divided between vertical and horizontal components.
Even though the stall occurs at a higher airspeed, the aircraft still stalls at the same critical angle of attack. Understanding this concept is key for pilots, especially because accelerated stalls often occur during steep turns, maneuvering flight, or the base-to-final turn.
The Right Way to Practice Accelerated Stalls
Practicing accelerated stalls correctly starts with preparation. Pilots should always perform accelerated stall training with a certified flight instructor who understands how to demonstrate and recover from the maneuver safely.
Training must take place below the aircraft’s maneuvering speed to prevent structural overstress. In 23MZ, that means staying well below 122 miles per hour. The aircraft should be in a clean configuration, properly coordinated, and operated in a designated practice area at a safe altitude.
During the maneuver, the power is reduced to idle and bank is increased, often to around 45 degrees, and the pilot watches for the first indication of a stall. Recovery focuses on unloading the wings to reduce angle of attack, leveling the wings, and smoothly applying power. A small altitude loss is acceptable if it ensures a proper reduction in angle of attack.
Why Coordination is Non-Negotiable
Coordination plays a critical role during accelerated stall training. An uncoordinated accelerated stall dramatically increases the risk of a stall-spin entry. Pilots must actively manage rudder input and avoid slipping or skidding during the maneuver.
Accelerated stalls are not about forcing the airplane to break aggressively. They are about recognizing the conditions that lead to higher stall speeds and practicing a disciplined, controlled recovery.
Accelerated Stall Don’ts Every Pilot Must Respect
There are several mistakes pilots must avoid when practicing accelerated stalls. Training should never be conducted above maneuvering speed, as this can overstress the airframe. Pilots should also avoid practicing accelerated stalls in a dirty configuration, even though real-world scenarios, like base-to-final turns, often involve flaps.
Why Accelerated Stall Training Matters Long-Term
Many certified pilots never practice accelerated stalls after initial training, yet these stalls can occur at any experience level. Revisiting accelerated stall do’s and don’ts helps pilots recognize warning signs, understand load factor effects, and respond instinctively when it matters most.
Safer Pilot Challenge 2026
The Safer Pilot Challenge is our yearly vow to help you become a smarter, safer pilot, and it runs all month long every January, wrapping up with our big livestream finale on January 31! We’re giving away prizes throughout the month, so be sure to watch each YouTube video and leave the specific comment to enter for a chance to win. Are you committing to 31 for 31 days of the Safer Pilot Challenge? If you love our free content, just imagine what our full courses can do for you. We’d love to welcome you into our ground schools! Start today with a free 2-week trial and see if MzeroA is the right fit for your aviation journey!