Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What action can lead to a stall condition in an aircraft?

1. Flying at too low an airspeed

2. Raising the aircraft's nose too high

3. Exceeding the critical angle of attack

4. Making abrupt control inputs

The correct answer is: Exceeding the critical angle of attack

The critical angle of attack is the key concept when discussing stall conditions in an aircraft. A stall occurs when the airflow separates from the wing's surface, and this typically happens when the critical angle of attack is exceeded. The critical angle of attack is specific to each aircraft and is the angle at which the wings can no longer generate enough lift to support the weight of the aircraft. When the angle of attack increases beyond this critical point, the wing cannot produce lift effectively, leading to a stall. This situation can occur regardless of the aircraft's airspeed, but it is most relevant when pilots intentionally or unintentionally raise the nose too high, thereby increasing the angle of attack to unsafe levels. It is crucial for pilots to understand the relationship between angle of attack, lift, and stall to maintain control of the aircraft during all flight phases.