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AerodynamicsQuestion 476 of 934

Why are most straight-wing airplanes designed to stall at the wing root first?

  1. So the airplane stalls at a higher speed
  2. So the tail stalls first
  3. So the ailerons keep control at the tips
  4. So the propeller gets more clean air
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Correct answer: So the ailerons keep control at the tips

When the root stalls first, aileron effectiveness remains at the wingtips and the pilot keeps control.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Stalls, page 122

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026