Question

If tailplane icing or a tailplane stall is detected, what should the pilot do?

1) Increase the throttle
2) Decrease the throttle
3) Apply full rudder
4) Apply full elevator

Answer 1

A pilot should decrease the throttle in response to tailplane icing or a tailplane stall, as this reduces the angle of attack and the lifting force required from the tailplane, aiding in stall recovery.

Step-by-step explanation:

If tailplane icing or a tailplane stall is detected, the pilot should decrease the throttle. Increasing lift on the tailplane, which occurs when applying up elevator, can deepen a stall condition caused by icing. Instead, pilots are trained to gently reduce the angle of attack by easing forward on the yoke or stick and to reduce power, which decreases the lifting force required from the tailplane, thereby helping to recover from the stall. The key actions include reducing throttle and avoiding abrupt control movements that could exacerbate the situation.