What is stall recovery?

Stall recovery refers specifically to the process of regaining control of an aircraft after it has entered a stall condition. A stall occurs when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, causing a significant loss of lift and potentially resulting in a dangerous flight situation. Recovery from a stall typically involves lowering the nose of the aircraft to reduce the angle of attack, allowing the wings to regain lift. This process is critical for pilots to master, as effective stall recovery can prevent loss of control and enhance overall flight safety.

The other options describe different aviation concepts not related to the state of stall or its recovery. For example, increasing altitude after a descent refers to climbing maneuvers, landing an aircraft involves following procedures for touch down, and managing fuel efficiency relates to optimizing flight operations and consumption rather than dealing with aerodynamic failures. Understanding stall recovery is essential for piloting, as it directly impacts the safety and performance of an aircraft.