Jet Fighter School II

More Training for Computer Fighter Pilots
by Richard G. Sheffield

The Stall Turn

The stall turn is a maneuver usually associated with light, propeller-driven aircraft, but it can also be performed with jet simulations. This is a good last maneuver after a series of vertical moves. The most difficult part of this trick is entering the maneuver flying perfectly vertically. If your simulation program offers views out the side of the cockpit, you can use them to position yourself so you are flying straight up.

• Fly straight and level at a speed no less than 500 knots. Pull back hard on the stick until you're flying straight up. (1)
• Continue to hold the climb as your speed decreases. (2)
• Cut your power to idle. (3)
• When the aircraft reaches stall speed, a warning should sound. Let the plane stall. The nose will come down and point at the ground. (4)
• Adjust the nose so you're pointing straight down; pick up speed, add power, and pull out of the dive. Be careful not to add too much power during the dive because you can easily exceed the Vmax, or maximum speed, for the aircraft. (5)

Figure 2-5. The Stall Turn

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