Private Pilot License (PPL) Aerodynamics Practice Exam

During a spin to the left, which wing(s) is/are stalled?

1. Only the left wing

2. Only the right wing

3. Both wings

4. No wings

The correct answer is: Both wings

In a spin, the aircraft experiences a specific aerodynamic condition where the stall occurs and is exacerbated by the yawing motion. During a left spin, the aircraft is typically yawed to the left, which results in the left wing experiencing a greater angle of attack and, consequently, it becomes more critically stalled compared to the right wing. However, for the spin to sustain itself, both wings must be in a stalled condition. The right wing, while experiencing a lesser angle of attack due to the unbalanced forces, will also be in a state of stall, albeit to a lesser degree. This simultaneous stalling of both wings is critical for maintaining the spin. If only one wing were to be stalled, the aircraft would likely recover itself from the spin, as it would lose the asymmetric lift that contributes to the sustaining of the rotational motion. Therefore, during a left spin, both wings are indeed stalled, reflecting the nature of how spins operate aerodynamically.