The FAA recently published a notice to operators, training managers and inspectors of the importance of AC 120-109, to reinforce the importance of adequate flight crew training on the use of aircraft stick shakers and pushers. The increased emphasis was the result of a September 2010 Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to stem the numbers of loss-of-control accidents due to pilot unfamiliarity with stick pushers, as well as flight into icing and wind-shear conditions.

The ARC found that pilots “are failing to avoid conditions that may lead to a stall or failing to recognize the insidious onset of an approach-to-stall during routine operations in both manual and automatic flight modes. Additionally, it appears that some pilots may not have the required skills or training to respond appropriately to an unexpected stall or stick pusher event. Stall training should always emphasize reducing the angle of attack,” said the committee, “as the most important response when confronted with any stall event.”