Definition
A small, sharp-edged metal strip attached spanwise to the leading edge of the wing, near the wing root, designed to deliberately disturb airflow at high angles of attack so that the inboard section of the wing stalls before the outboard section.
Plain English
A small triangular strip fixed to the front edge of the wing, close to the fuselage, that makes the inner part of the wing stop flying first. This keeps the outer part of the wing — and the ailerons — still working when a stall begins, so the pilot keeps roll control.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight inspection, airplane design discussions, and stall training.
Derivation
From 'stall' (the loss of lift when airflow separates from the wing) and 'strip' (a long, narrow piece of material). The name describes its job: a strip that triggers a stall in a chosen spot.
Why Pilots Care
It keeps aileron effectiveness during the stall so the pilot can maintain roll control and avoid a sudden wing drop.
Grounding Statement
On a preflight, a stall strip may look like a small raised piece on the front edge of the wing, but it is there on purpose and should not be bent or removed.
Intuition Check
A stall strip is not a repair patch or decoration. It is an intentional flight-control aid that changes how airflow separates from the wing near a stall.
Example Sentence 1
During the preflight, the instructor pointed out the small stall strips on the leading edge near the wing root and explained why they were there.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight inspection the pilot confirms both stall strips remain firmly attached and free of damage.