Wed, Jul 07, 2010
Phrase "Minimum Loss Of Altitude" Clarified In Airline
Transport Pilot PTS
The FAA has put out a Safety Alert
For Operators concerning language included in the Airline Transport
Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS). The SAFO clarifies the
meaning of the approaches to stall evaluation criteria as it
relates to “minimal loss of altitude”.
A recent survey of stall/stick pusher training programs revealed
some inconsistencies in the practical application of the term
“minimal loss of altitude”. Specifically, some programs
inappropriately stress maintaining altitude during recovery or have
arbitrarily assigned a predetermined value (in feet) as an
evaluation criteria.
The term “minimal loss of altitude” was intended to
take into account the many variables which could affect the amount
of altitude loss encountered in a smooth recovery from an approach
to stall. These variables may include, but are not limited to:
- Entry Altitude
- Bank Angle
- Aircraft Weight
- Aircraft Configuration
- Density Altitude
The reduction of angle of attack required to initiate recovery
will likely result in altitude loss. The amount of altitude loss
will be affected by the operational environment.
The FAA encourages operators and training centers to ensure that
their training programs and checking modules are written and
administered to ensure the evaluation criteria for a recovery from
a stall or approach to stall does not mandate a predetermined value
for altitude loss. Proper evaluation criteria should consider the
multitude of external and internal variables which affect the
recovery altitude. The aircraft manufacturer’s recommended
stall recovery techniques and procedures take precedence and must
be followed. The agency says that everyone involved in the ATP
evaluation process should work together to ensure that the content
of this SAFO is provided to pilots during ground training,
reinforced in flight training, and proficiency checks.
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