Definition
A stall practiced with the engine at idle power, configured to simulate the airplane's behavior during a normal approach and landing. The pilot establishes a landing configuration and approach airspeed, then gradually raises the nose until the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack and stalls. The maneuver is used to recognize the symptoms of an approaching stall in the landing phase and to practice prompt, correct recovery.
Plain English
A practice stall set up to feel like one that could happen during a landing approach. The engine is at idle, the airplane is in landing configuration, and the pilot slowly pulls the nose up until the wing stops producing enough lift to fly. The pilot then recovers using standard stall recovery technique.
Context Anchor
Encountered during stall training, flight reviews, and practical test preparation, especially when practicing stalls that could happen during an approach to landing.
Derivation
Called "power-off" because the engine is reduced to idle for the maneuver, simulating a descent toward landing rather than a climb. This contrasts with "power-on stalls," which simulate departure or go-around situations with high engine power applied.
Why Pilots Care
Practicing power-off stalls teaches safe recovery techniques for approach and landing situations, including simulated engine failures, where altitude is limited and prompt action prevents a spin or ground impact.
Intuition Check
Power-off does not mean the airplane’s electrical system is off; it means engine thrust is reduced to idle or near idle. A stall does not mean the engine stopped; it means the wing is no longer making normal lift because its angle to the oncoming air is too high.
Example Sentence 1
During the lesson, the instructor demonstrated a power-off stall by reducing the throttle to idle, extending the flaps, and slowly raising the nose until the airplane stalled.
Example Sentence 2
During a power-off stall recovery the pilot lowered the nose first, then added power once flying speed was restored.