WILJAM FLIGHT TRAINING

Chapter 7.6
Stall Warning
Introduction
In order to warn the flight crew that the aeroplane is approaching a stall condition, a warning
device is fitted, which varies depending on the type of aeroplane.
Light Aeroplane Stall Warning Device
In addition to pre-stall buffet light aeroplanes are normally fitted with an audible stall-warning
device, which operates just before the stall. This device is activated by way of a stall warning
sensor in the form of a moving vane, which is positioned approximately midway along the wing,
just below the leading edge, as shown below.

They are held in their non-active position by static pressure, due to the forward motion of the
aeroplane, and the pressure distribution around the wing, with the stagnation point positioned
above the device. As the air speed reduces/angle of attack increases, the stagnation point will
moves below the device, and the spring-loaded flap is pushed upwards, as shown below.

When a pre-set deflection is reached, an electrical circuit will be completed and a warning horn
will be activated. The warning is usually a continuous sound that stops only when the angle of
attack has been reduced, ie. when the airspeed is increased.
Transport Category Aeroplane Stall Warning Device
On most modern transport aeroplanes the stall-warning device is activated via an Angle of
Attack or Alpha sensor, as shown on the next page. One of these sensors is located either
side of the fuselage near the nose, and detects the change / rate of change of angle of attack of
the aeroplane as the airspeed varies. The sensor is shaped like an aerofoil surface and varies

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its position relative to the airflow. This results in an electrical signal being generated and when
a predetermined limit is reached, nominally 12 14, a stall warning will be activated. These
devices are also heated, so that they remain operational throughout the flight.

The sensor is connected via a pivot to a digital stall warning system as illustrated below, which
is deactivated on the ground via a Squat switch on the nose wheel gear (weight on
undercarriage or air/ground safety sensor).
.

Two independent digital computers are normally installed, which compute the proper stall
warning based on the angle of attack, flap configuration, and thrust. The computers receive
inputs from the angle of attack sensor (Alpha probe), the flap position transmitter, the N1 and N2
indicators, the air/ground relay, the air data computers, and the leading edge module.
At a pre-set angle of attack the circuit will be completed and an eccentric weight motor attached
to the base of either, or both control columns will operate. The motor will in turn vibrate the
control column, thus imitating the effect of aerodynamic buffet, and alerting the flight crew
before a stall develops. This will also be visually displayed on the Primary Flight Display (PFD).
The stall warning system additionally incorporates a test function facility, which when operated
will activate the stick shaker, by completing the circuit from the sensor to the motor.

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