Definition
Stalls deliberately induced by the pilot during training or proficiency flying so the pilot can recognize the onset of a stall and practice the correct recovery. They are performed at safe altitudes, in approved aircraft configurations, and within the airplane's operating limitations.
Plain English
A stall the pilot causes on purpose during practice, so they can learn to feel it coming and recover from it correctly. It is done up high where there is plenty of room to recover safely.
Context Anchor
You encounter this term in stall training, flight reviews, and practical test preparation, usually when practicing at a safe altitude with an instructor or examiner.
Derivation
Intentional comes from a word meaning to direct your mind or purpose toward something. Stall originally meant to stop or come to a standstill. In aviation, the useful idea is that the stall is planned on purpose, not something that surprises the pilot.
Why Pilots Care
Practicing intentional stalls develops the ability to recover quickly and correctly from accidental stalls, reducing the risk of loss-of-control accidents.
Grounding Statement
The point is to meet the stall in a controlled setting, recover from it, and remove the surprise from the experience.
Intuition Check
Intentional stalls are not accidents or reckless flying. They are planned training maneuvers done with altitude, preparation, and a recovery procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor climbed to 4,000 feet AGL before demonstrating intentional stalls so there was ample altitude for recovery.
Example Sentence 2
Intentional stalls help pilots learn the warning signs so they can prevent an unintentional stall during normal flight.