Plain English Meaning

The point where the aircraft is about to stall but hasn't yet. The pilot notices the first warnings, such as a horn, shaking, or sluggish controls, and acts to recover before the wing actually stops producing lift.

Full Definition

A flight condition in which the aircraft is nearing the critical angle of attack but has not yet stalled, recognized by the first indications of an impending stall such as stall warning horn activation, aerodynamic buffet, or degraded control response. Recovery is initiated at these initial cues, before a full aerodynamic stall develops.

Context Anchor

Seen in during , , and stall-recovery , especially when to recognize and recover before a develops.