What is the maximum bank angle allowed during a power-off stall for a PPL?

The maximum bank angle allowed during a power-off stall for a Private Pilot License (PPL) is indeed 20 degrees. This limit is crucial because it helps ensure that students practice stalls in a safe and controlled manner, focusing on the aerodynamics of straight and level flight without excessive lateral control inputs that could lead to an increase in stall speed or complicate recovery procedures.

During a stall, particularly a power-off stall, the goal is to gain an understanding of how the aircraft behaves when its critical angle of attack is exceeded. By limiting the bank angle to 20 degrees, pilots can maintain a clearer understanding of the stall characteristics and the aircraft's response. This degree of bank allows for the exercise to remain manageable while still providing valuable training on recognizing the onset of a stall and executing a proper recovery.

In practical terms, banking beyond this angle risks creating additional complications, as it increases the load factor on the wings and can lead to a wider variety of potential stall scenarios, including unanticipated yaw and roll. Such complexities can detract from the primary learning objectives related to stall recognition and recovery, which is why the 20-degree bank angle is emphasized in training for this maneuver.