Boldmethod

If you were giving a check ride and a student struggled with their power-off stall, should they pass or fail? We want your opinion - read the details and vote below.

Check Ride:

Private Pilot

Aircraft:

Piper PA-28 Cherokee

Your Task:

Should the student pass or fail? Read the scenario below, then vote at the bottom of the post.

Scenario:

During the check ride, you ask the student to perform a power-off stall in a landing configuration. The student clears the area and configures the airplane for landing by lowering full flaps and reducing the throttle to idle. While in a stabilized descent, they pitch the aircraft up and fully stall the airplane while maintaining coordinated flight and holding heading.

The student recovers by adding full power and relaxing back-pressure on the yoke. As the airplane recovers from the stall, they retract the flaps to 25 degrees. However, they retract the flaps so quickly that the stall warning horn goes off and the airplane begins to buffet. The student, surprised by the stall warning horn, doesn't release back-pressure on the yoke, sending the airplane into a full secondary stall. The student recovers from the stall by releasing back pressure and regaining airspeed. Throughout the maneuver, the student loses approximately 200 feet. After the secondary stall, the student establishes a positive rate of climb and accelerates to Vy, completing the maneuver.

Should the applicant pass or fail? Vote below to tell us what you think. Then, add comments below to discuss why you made your decision.