Flight Instructor ACS · Area X

AI.X Slow flight, Stalls, and Spins

9 tasks and 212 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as AI.X.A.K1, lands on its own line.

Written by the FlightWay team. Regulations checked against the eCFR and faa.gov on 11 November 2026. Not a substitute for the regulation itself or your instructor.

AI.X.A Maneuvering During Slow Flight

To determine the applicant understands maneuvering during slow flight in cruise configuration, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.A.K1Knowledge

Purpose of and procedures for proper slow flight.

AI.X.A.K2Knowledge

Aerodynamics associated with slow flight in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

AI.X.A.K3Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.A.R1Risk management

Inadvertent slow flight and flight with a stall warning, which could lead to loss of control.

AI.X.A.R2Risk management

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.A.R3Risk management

Uncoordinated flight.

AI.X.A.R4Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high- density altitude).

AI.X.A.R5Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.A.R6Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.A.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.A.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).

AI.X.A.S3Skill

Establish and maintain an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power, would result in a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.A.S4Skill

Accomplish coordinated straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents with the aircraft configured as specified by the evaluator without a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.A.S5Skill

Maintain the specified altitude, ±50 feet; specified heading, ±10°; airspeed, +5/-0 knots; and specified angle of bank, ±5°.

AI.X.A.S6Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.B Demonstration of Flight Characteristics at Various Configurations and Airspeeds (ASEL and ASES)

To determine the applicant understands flight characteristics and power required at different airspeeds and configurations appropriate to the make and model of airplane flown, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.B.K1Knowledge

Purpose of and procedures for demonstration of flight characteristics at various configurations and airspeeds.

AI.X.B.K2Knowledge

Power required at various airspeeds between cruise airspeed and critically slow airspeeds near the critical angle of attack.

AI.X.B.K3Knowledge

The minimum power required speed and its role in differentiating the region of normal command and the region of reversed command on the power-required curve.

AI.X.B.K4Knowledge

The relationships between lift, drag, angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power required, weight, center of gravity, attitude, yaw effects, controllability, and stalls and spins.

AI.X.B.K5Knowledge

Pitch, power, and trim control inputs that are required to operate the airplane in level flight, turns, climbs, and descents and how the control inputs change at various airspeeds between cruise airspeed and critically slow airspeeds.

AI.X.B.K6Knowledge

Flight characteristics and aerodynamics associated with configuration changes applicable to the specific to the make and model of airplane provided for the practical test.

AI.X.B.K7Knowledge

Airspeeds specific to the airplane for various operations, how to identify them on the airspeed indicator (if applicable), and their significance in airplane performance, including:

AI.X.B.K7aKnowledge

Design/operating maneuvering speed

AI.X.B.K7bKnowledge

Landing gear extended/operating speed, if applicable

AI.X.B.K7cKnowledge

Flaps extended/operating speed, if applicable

AI.X.B.K7dKnowledge

Best glide speed

AI.X.B.K7eKnowledge

Reference landing speed

AI.X.B.K7fKnowledge

Stalling speeds

AI.X.B.K8Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.B.R1Risk management

Lack of familiarity with airplane airspeed limitations and interpretation of the airspeed indicator.

AI.X.B.R2Risk management

Exceeding airspeed limitations.

AI.X.B.R3Risk management

Flight characteristics in the region of reversed command and the potential for loss of control.

AI.X.B.R4Risk management

Inadvertent exceedance of the critical angle of attack.

AI.X.B.R5Risk management

Range, limitations, and operational characteristics of airspeed indicators and stall warning indicators (e.g., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.B.R6Risk management

Unacknowledged stall warning indications.

AI.X.B.R7Risk management

Effects of environmental elements on airplane performance and controllability. (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high density altitude).

AI.X.B.R8Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.B.R9Risk management

Maneuvering at critically slow airspeeds.

AI.X.B.S1Skill

Conduct and explain the procedure, manage the associated risk, and fly the airplane, while maintaining altitude ±100 feet, airspeed +5/-0 knots, heading ±10°, and specified bank angle ±5°, as appropriate.

AI.X.B.S2Skill

Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).

AI.X.B.S3Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.B.S4Skill

Clean configuration demonstration:

AI.X.B.S4aSkill

Establish and maintain design/operating maneuvering speed appropriate to the airplane's weight while describing pitch, power, and trim inputs to maintain altitude and airspeed, then;

AI.X.B.S4bSkill

With gear and flaps retracted (as applicable), slow the airplane to, and maintain, best glide speed (or as specified by evaluator), noting the power setting required, then;

AI.X.B.S4cSkill

Continue to slow the airplane to, and maintain, an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power would result in an immediate stall, and maintain that airspeed in level flight, noting the airspeed and power setting required, while;

AI.X.B.S4dSkill

Verbally acknowledging stall warning indications, then;

AI.X.B.S4eSkill

Without changing power setting, lower the pitch attitude and accelerate to a faster airspeed until reestablishing the airplane in level flight, noting the new airspeed and amount of altitude lost, then;

AI.X.B.S4fSkill

Return to normal cruise flight at the altitude and heading specified by the evaluator

AI.X.B.S5Skill

Landing configuration demonstration.

AI.X.B.S5aSkill

Establish and maintain design/operating maneuvering speed appropriate to the airplane's weight while describing pitch, power, and trim inputs to maintain altitude and airspeed, then;

AI.X.B.S5bSkill

Slow the airplane to, and maintain, the appropriate limiting airspeeds and fully extend the landing gear and flaps (as appropriate), then;

AI.X.B.S5cSkill

With gear and flaps fully extended (as applicable), slow the airplane to, and maintain, reference landing speed (or as specified by the evaluator), noting the power setting required, then;

AI.X.B.S5dSkill

With gear and flaps fully extended, continue to slow the airplane to, and maintain, an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power would result in an immediate stall, and maintain that airspeed in level flight, noting the airspeed and power setting required, while;

AI.X.B.S5eSkill

Verbally acknowledging stall warning indications, then;

AI.X.B.S5fSkill

Without changing power setting, lower the pitch attitude and accelerate to a faster airspeed until reestablishing the airplane in in level flight, noting the new airspeed and amount of altitude lost, then;

AI.X.B.S5gSkill

Return to normal cruise flight at the altitude and heading specified by the evaluator

AI.X.B.S6Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.C Power-Off Stalls

To determine the applicant understands power-off stalls, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.C.K1Knowledge

Purpose of and procedures for power-off stalls.

AI.X.C.K2Knowledge

Aerodynamics associated with stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

AI.X.C.K3Knowledge

Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.

AI.X.C.K4Knowledge

Factors and situations that can lead to a power-off stall and actions that can be taken to prevent it.

AI.X.C.K5Knowledge

Fundamentals of stall recovery.

AI.X.C.K6Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.C.R1Risk management

Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent power-off stall, spin, and loss of control.

AI.X.C.R2Risk management

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.C.R3Risk management

Stall warning(s) during normal operations.

AI.X.C.R4Risk management

Stall recovery procedure.

AI.X.C.R5Risk management

Secondary stalls, accelerated stalls, and cross-control stalls.

AI.X.C.R6Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to power-off stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

AI.X.C.R7Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.C.R8Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.C.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.C.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).

AI.X.C.S3Skill

Configure the airplane in the approach or landing configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.

AI.X.C.S4Skill

Establish a stabilized descent.

AI.X.C.S5Skill

Transition smoothly from the approach or landing attitude to a pitch attitude that induces a stall.

AI.X.C.S6Skill

Maintain a specified heading, ±10° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±5° if in turning flight, until an impending or full stall occurs, as specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.C.S7Skill

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.C.S8Skill

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.C.S9Skill

Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).

AI.X.C.S10Skill

Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.C.S11Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.D Power-On Stalls

To determine the applicant understands power-on stalls, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.D.K1Knowledge

Purpose of and procedures for power-on stalls.

AI.X.D.K2Knowledge

Aerodynamics associated with stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

AI.X.D.K3Knowledge

Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.

AI.X.D.K4Knowledge

Factors and situations that can lead to a power-on stall and actions that can be taken to prevent it.

AI.X.D.K5Knowledge

Fundamentals of stall recovery.

AI.X.D.K6Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.D.R1Risk management

Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent power-on stall, spin, and loss of control.

AI.X.D.R2Risk management

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.D.R3Risk management

Stall warning(s) during normal operations.

AI.X.D.R4Risk management

Stall recovery procedure.

AI.X.D.R5Risk management

Secondary stalls, accelerated stalls, elevator trim stalls, and cross-control stalls.

AI.X.D.R6Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to power-on stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

AI.X.D.R7Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.D.R8Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.D.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.D.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).

AI.X.D.S3Skill

Establish the takeoff, departure, or cruise configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.

AI.X.D.S4Skill

Set power to no less than 65 percent power.

AI.X.D.S5Skill

Transition smoothly from the takeoff or departure attitude to the pitch attitude that induces a stall.

AI.X.D.S6Skill

Maintain a specified heading ±10° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±10° if in turning flight, until an impending or full stall is reached, as specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.D.S7Skill

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.D.S8Skill

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.D.S9Skill

Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).

AI.X.D.S10Skill

Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.D.S11Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.E Accelerated Stalls

To determine the applicant understands accelerated stalls (power-on and power-off), can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.E.K1Knowledge

Purpose of and procedures for accelerated stalls.

AI.X.E.K2Knowledge

Aerodynamics associated with accelerated stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

AI.X.E.K3Knowledge

Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.

AI.X.E.K4Knowledge

Factors leading to an accelerated stall and preventive actions.

AI.X.E.K5Knowledge

Fundamentals of stall recovery.

AI.X.E.K6Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.E.R1Risk management

Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent accelerated stall, spin, and loss of control.

AI.X.E.R2Risk management

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.E.R3Risk management

Stall warning(s) during normal operations.

AI.X.E.R4Risk management

Stall recovery procedure.

AI.X.E.R5Risk management

Secondary stalls, cross-control stalls, and spins.

AI.X.E.R6Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to accelerated stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

AI.X.E.R7Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.E.R8Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.E.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.E.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

AI.X.E.S3Skill

Establish the configuration as specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.E.S4Skill

Set power appropriate for the configuration, such that the airspeed does not exceed the maneuvering speed (VA) or any other applicable Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) limitation.

AI.X.E.S5Skill

Establish and maintain a coordinated turn in a 45° bank, increasing elevator back pressure smoothly and firmly until an impending stall is reached.

AI.X.E.S6Skill

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.E.S7Skill

Execute a stall recovery in accordance with procedures set forth in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Flight Manual (FM).

AI.X.E.S8Skill

Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).

AI.X.E.S9Skill

Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.E.S10Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.F Cross-Controlled Stall Demonstration (ASEL, ASES)

To determine the applicant understands cross-controlled stalls, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.F.K1Knowledge

Aerodynamics of cross-controlled stalls.

AI.X.F.K2Knowledge

Flight situations where unintentional cross-controlled stalls may occur.

AI.X.F.K3Knowledge

Recognition of cross-controlled stalls.

AI.X.F.K4Knowledge

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude.

AI.X.F.K5Knowledge

Recovery procedure.

AI.X.F.K6Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.F.R1Risk management

Stall recovery procedure.

AI.X.F.R2Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to cross-controlled stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

AI.X.F.R3Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.F.R4Risk management

Aircraft limitations.

AI.X.F.R5Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.F.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.F.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

AI.X.F.S3Skill

Configure the airplane (with gear down) and close the throttle.

AI.X.F.S4Skill

Establish a normal glide airspeed and trim the airplane.

AI.X.F.S5Skill

Roll into a medium-banked turn, apply excess rudder in the turn while holding bank constant with opposite aileron input, and add elevator pressure to keep the nose from lowering.

AI.X.F.S6Skill

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.F.S7Skill

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.F.S8Skill

Describe and demonstrate conditions that lead to a cross-controlled stall for future avoidance.

AI.X.F.S9Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.G Elevator Trim Stall Demonstration (ASEL, ASES)

To determine the applicant understands elevator trim stalls, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.G.K1Knowledge

Aerodynamics of elevator trim stalls.

AI.X.G.K2Knowledge

Flight situations where elevator trim stalls could occur.

AI.X.G.K3Knowledge

Recognition of elevator trim stalls.

AI.X.G.K4Knowledge

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude.

AI.X.G.K5Knowledge

Recovery procedure.

AI.X.G.K6Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.G.R1Risk management

Stall recovery procedure.

AI.X.G.R2Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to cross-controlled stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

AI.X.G.R3Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.G.R4Risk management

Aircraft limitations.

AI.X.G.R5Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.G.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.G.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

AI.X.G.S3Skill

Retard the throttle and configure the airplane for landing.

AI.X.G.S4Skill

Establish a normal glide airspeed and trim the airplane.

AI.X.G.S5Skill

Advance the throttle to the maximum allowable power as in a go-around.

AI.X.G.S6Skill

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.G.S7Skill

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

AI.X.G.S8Skill

Adjust trim and return to the desired flightpath.

AI.X.G.S9Skill

Describe and demonstrate conditions that lead to an elevator trim stall for future avoidance.

AI.X.G.S10Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.H Secondary Stall Demonstration (ASEL, ASES)

To determine the applicant understands secondary stalls, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.H.K1Knowledge

Aerodynamics of secondary stalls.

AI.X.H.K2Knowledge

Flight situations where secondary stalls may occur.

AI.X.H.K3Knowledge

Recognition of a secondary stall.

AI.X.H.K4Knowledge

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude.

AI.X.H.K5Knowledge

Recovery procedure.

AI.X.H.K6Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.H.R1Risk management

Stall recovery procedure.

AI.X.H.R2Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to cross-controlled stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

AI.X.H.R3Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.H.R4Risk management

Aircraft limitations.

AI.X.H.R5Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.H.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.H.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

AI.X.H.S3Skill

Enter a stall in a specified configuration and exceed the critical angle of attach a second time during the recovery.

AI.X.H.S4Skill

Recover promptly and appropriately after a secondary stall occurs.

AI.X.H.S5Skill

Describe and demonstrate conditions that lead to a secondary stall for future avoidance.

AI.X.H.S6Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.I Spin Awareness and Spins

To determine the applicant understands spins, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

AI.X.I.K1Knowledge

Purpose of and procedures for spin awareness and spins.

AI.X.I.K2Knowledge

Aerodynamics associated with spins in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

AI.X.I.K3Knowledge

What causes a spin and how to identify the entry, incipient, and developed phases of a spin.

AI.X.I.K4Knowledge

Spin recovery procedure.

AI.X.I.K5Knowledge

Human factors associated with spin instruction.

AI.X.I.K6Knowledge

How to determine if an airplane approved for the spin maneuver based on airworthiness category and type certificate.

AI.X.I.K7Knowledge

Flight situations where unintentional spins may occur.

AI.X.I.K8Knowledge

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude for intentional spins.

AI.X.I.K9Knowledge

Control procedure to maintain a stabilized spin.

AI.X.I.K10Knowledge

Recognize conditions that lead to a spin for future avoidance.

AI.X.I.K11Knowledge

Orientation during a spin, including which instrument(s) are reliable for determining the directions of spin.

AI.X.I.K12Knowledge

Recovery procedure and minimum recovery altitude for intentional spins.

AI.X.I.K13Knowledge

Common errors related to this Task.

AI.X.I.R1Risk management

Factors and situations that could lead to inadvertent spin and loss of control.

AI.X.I.R2Risk management

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

AI.X.I.R3Risk management

Spin recovery procedure.

AI.X.I.R4Risk management

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to spins (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

AI.X.I.R5Risk management

Collision hazards.

AI.X.I.R6Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

AI.X.I.S1Skill

Clear the area.

AI.X.I.S2Skill

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 4,000 feet AGL.

AI.X.I.S3Skill

Enter and recover from an intentional spin if requested by the evaluator.

AI.X.I.S4Skill

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Other areas in this standard

Last updated 11 November 2026.