Why is aileron not used to control a wing drop when a stall is imminent?

Why is aileron not used to control a wing drop when a stall is imminent?

• A. It is more effective than rudder
• B. It aggravates the situation
• C. It has no effect
• D. It causes the aircraft to roll

Answer: (B)

In the situation where a stall is imminent and a wing drop is occurring, using the ailerons to try to control the aircraft can actually worsen the problem. When a pilot adds aileron input to the wing that is dropping, this increases the angle of attack on that wing, further risking aerodynamic stall and exacerbating the asymmetrical lift between the wings. This can lead to an aggravated stall condition, potentially resulting in a spin if one wing stalls more aggressively than the other. By relying on ailerons, the pilot inadvertently amplifies the lost lift on the stalled wing instead of addressing the fundamental issue of excessive angle of attack. During this critical phase, the proper response is to reduce the angle of attack by pushing forward on the control yoke or stick, which helps alleviate the stall condition and generally yields a more effective recovery from the impending stall. Understanding this response is key for safe aircraft operation and stall recovery techniques.

In the situation where a stall is imminent and a wing drop is occurring, using the ailerons to try to control the aircraft can actually worsen the problem. When a pilot adds aileron input to the wing that is dropping, this increases the angle of attack on that wing, further risking aerodynamic stall and exacerbating the asymmetrical lift between the wings. This can lead to an aggravated stall condition, potentially resulting in a spin if one wing stalls more aggressively than the other.

By relying on ailerons, the pilot inadvertently amplifies the lost lift on the stalled wing instead of addressing the fundamental issue of excessive angle of attack. During this critical phase, the proper response is to reduce the angle of attack by pushing forward on the control yoke or stick, which helps alleviate the stall condition and generally yields a more effective recovery from the impending stall. Understanding this response is key for safe aircraft operation and stall recovery techniques.