Drone Pilot Practice Exam

When the nose of an aircraft falls during a stall, how does airspeed and angle of attack change?

1. Air speed increases, angle of attack increases

2. Air speed decreases, angle of attack decreases

3. Air speed increases, angle of attack decreases

4. Air speed decreases, angle of attack increases

The correct answer is: Air speed increases, angle of attack decreases

When the nose of an aircraft falls during a stall, the behavior of airspeed and angle of attack is intricately linked to the aerodynamic principles governing flight. As the nose drops, the aircraft typically transitions from a state of high angle of attack, which caused the stall in the first place, to a lower angle of attack. This reduction occurs because the aircraft is descending, allowing the wings to regain airflow and lift. Simultaneously, as the nose drops, the aircraft's orientation changes to be more level relative to the oncoming airflow, leading to an increase in airspeed. This increase is a consequence of gravity pulling the aircraft downward, which, combined with the loss of lift, creates a scenario where the aircraft is now falling faster through the air. Thus, the correct answer reflects the fundamental behaviors of aerodynamic forces during this critical phase of flight: as the angle of attack decreases, the airspeed increases.