Definition
An FAA Advisory Circular titled 'Ice Contaminated Tailplane Stall (ICTS),' which provides guidance on recognizing, preventing, and recovering from a tailplane stall caused by ice accumulation on the horizontal stabilizer. The number 23.143-1 refers to the certification rule (14 CFR Part 23, §23.143) the circular advises on.
Plain English
An FAA guidance document that explains how ice on the tail of an airplane can cause a dangerous stall there, and what pilots should do about it.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA handbook references, certification discussions, and source notes connected with airplane control and handling qualities.
Derivation
An Advisory Circular (AC) is FAA guidance material that explains how to comply with the regulations. The number identifies which regulation it relates to: '23' is Part 23 (small airplane certification), '143' is the specific section, and '-1' is the first AC issued under that section. Knowing the numbering pattern helps pilots and engineers locate the right document quickly.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rely on aircraft that meet these standards to ensure predictable handling during instrument flight and emergencies.
Intuition Check
Do not read “AC” here as electrical alternating current. In this context, AC means an FAA Advisory Circular.
Example Sentence 1
During recurrent training, the instructor referenced AC 23.143-1 when explaining why a tailplane stall recovery requires pulling back rather than pushing forward.
Example Sentence 2
During recurrent training the instructor referenced AC 23.143-1 to explain why the aircraft responded as expected in a crosswind landing.