Stalling is a concern for pilots. When the critical angle attack of an airplane’s wings is exceeded, the amount of lift generated by the airplane will decrease and its drag will increase. This phenomenon is known as a stall, and it can essentially cause airplanes to fall from the sky — at least until the pilot recovers from the stall. There are ways for pilots to prevent stalls, however, one of which is to use a stick pusher.
What Is a Stick Pusher?
A stick pusher is a component of a stall protection system. It’s used in some fixed-wing aircraft, including private and commercial jets. If the aircraft is about to stall, the stick pusher will “push” forward on the elevator so that the angle of attack is decreased.
What Is a Stall?
Upon hearing the word “stall,” many people assume it’s the same phenomenon that occurs when a car or truck stalls. They believe that airplane stalls involve the loss of engine function — just like with automobile stalls. With airplanes, though, stalls have nothing to do with the loss of engine power or functionality.
The engine or engines will typically continue to run during a stall. Rather, the airplane will fail to produce a sufficient amount of lift needed for the pilot to control the airplane. This is because the airplane’s wings will exceed the critical angle of attack, which is the angle at which the wings generate the most lift. Upon exceeding this angle, lift will decrease and drag will increase, resulting in a stall.
How a Stick Pusher Works
How does a stick pusher work exactly? They are automatic devices that engage without the need for human intervention. Pilots don’t have to engage stick pushers, nor do they have to adjust them. Rather, the airplane’s stick pusher will begin working automatically when the airplane is about to enter a stall.
Modern airplanes are equipped with a stall warning system. Consisting of sensors that measure the airplane’s angle of attack, speed and other parameters, these systems are designed to help pilots avoid stalls. As the airplane’s wings approach the critical angle of attack, the stall warning system will activate.
Modern aircraft are equipped with stall warning systems. These systems include sensors that measure the angle of attack, airspeed, and other parameters. When the angle of attack approaches a critical threshold, the stall warning system activates.
The stall warning system will activate the airplane’s stick pusher. Stick pushers are connected to the control column. Once activated, the stick pusher will push the control column stick forward. As the control stick moves forward, the airplane’s angle of attack will decrease, which will allow the airplane to recover from the stall.
If the pilot does not respond to the stall warning, the stick pusher activates. It is connected to the aircraft’s control column and uses mechanical or hydraulic means to push the control stick forward. This action decreases the angle of attack, helping the aircraft recover from the stall condition.
