Stalls in Steep Turns

This lesson demonstrates that the stall speed increases in turns. The steeper the turn, the higher the stall speed. Fly fast to turn steep.

Learning Points

We have seen the stall in level flight. The pre-stall buffet became apparent at about 37kts in the Cirrus, and we were able to avoid the impending stall by easing the back pressure on the stick. So what happens if the wings are not level?

As the angle of bank increases, the vertical component of the lift generated by the wings reduces. It reduces significantly as we bank beyond 45 degrees. With less vertical lift being generated at any given angle of bank, it is obvious that we are going to fall out of the sky sooner, i.e. at a higher stall speed.

We can avoid these stalls by easing the back pressure on the stick. In the event of a stall, the recovery will be the same as a stall with a wing drop.

Scenario and Demonstration

This demonstration shows the glider in level flight, slowing until the pre-stall buffet. This is at around 37kts. Easing the back pressure on the stick is enough to avoid the stall.

We then make a series of turns at various angles of bank, and slow the glider until we see the pre-stall buffet. It takes a few moments to get there. As we do, note the angle of bank, and the speed at which the pre-stall buffet occurs. In the steepest turn, the pre-stall buffet occurred above 50kts. Use the pause key if it helps.

About the videos

Multiple versions of the videos are being made available:

• With animation and voiceover.
• Alternative without the animation graphics.
• As recorded in Condor Flight School. These will have messages at the top of the screen, with no additional animation or voiceover – that’s the way the Condor cookie crumbles!

The videos are suited to any device that supports YouTube. If you have trouble loading the video in the browser, click on Watch on YouTube in the lower left corner.

Performing the Exercise

Start by confirming the speed at which you see pre-stall buffet in level flight. Then speed up a little and try a steady turn of around 20-30 degrees of bank at 45kts – then ease back on the stick while maintaining the bank angle. Note the speed at which the buffet occurs. Recover, and increase your speed to 50kts and make a turn with 45 degrees of bank. Hold this and slow down, noting when the buffet occurs. If you are practised at turning steeply, go for 60 degrees and repeat. If you drop a wing, recover as usual: stick centrally forward, gain speed, make coordinated use of controls to level the wings, ease back and level out.

You’re flying a Standard Cirrus, and the air is calm, so you’re fully in control.

The sim is a great place to practise stalls and recovery. In more tubulent air, such as thermals, you can experience sudden wind sheer. This means that while you were happily circling above the stall speed, a moment later the airspeed has dropped away and you’ve stalled as a result.

Further Reading and References

• Gliding From Passenger to Pilot, 2nd Edition: Pages 95-96
• BGA Instructors’ Manual, 4th Edition: Section 2, Chapter 18
• BGA Instructors’ Reference Cards: Ex 9c
• Gliding: The British Gliding Association Student Pilot Manual, Section 4.24 and website.