Definition
A training maneuver in which the pilot intentionally induces an aerodynamic stall while the airplane is configured and flown as if on a normal approach to landing — engine at idle or reduced power, landing flaps and gear (if retractable) extended, and the airplane in a descent at approach airspeed. The pitch attitude is gradually increased until the stall warning activates and the stall occurs, at which point the pilot performs a prompt recovery while minimizing altitude loss and returning to a stabilized approach.
Plain English
A practice exercise where you set the airplane up like you're coming in to land — power back, flaps down, descending — and then slowly raise the nose until the wing stops flying, so you can practice recognizing it and recovering smoothly.
Context Anchor
Practiced during stall training at a safe altitude, usually to simulate the approach and landing part of flight.
Why Pilots Care
Develops the ability to recognize and recover from stalls that can occur if airspeed decays during an actual approach, reducing the risk of a stall-spin accident close to the ground.
Grounding Statement
The key idea is that the airplane is being slowed in a landing-like setup so the pilot can learn what an approaching stall feels and looks like before it becomes dangerous.
Intuition Check
Power-off does not mean the engine is shut down; it means the throttle is reduced to idle or low power. Approach does not mean the maneuver must be done near a runway; it means the airplane is configured and flown as if it were approaching to land.
Example Sentence 1
On the checkride, the examiner asked for a power-off approach to stall, so the student reduced power, extended full flaps, and slowed to approach speed before gradually raising the nose until the stall broke.
Example Sentence 2
After the power-off approach to stall broke, the pilot lowered the nose and added power to regain flying speed before resuming the pattern.