B737 High Altitude Stall Recovery Technique
When conducting high altitude stall recovery on stick-shaker in the B737 simulator (say 37,000 ft), it takes around 3000 feet of height loss to attain a comfortable minimum level flight speed.
This assumes idle thrust leading up to stick shaker. Rate of thrust increase is markedly slow at high altitude when increasing power as part of stall (stick shaker) recovery. Hence partly the reason for loss of 3000 feet while picking up to safe speed. The FCTM recommends VREF 40 plus 100 knots as a safe holding speed above 25,000 ft if no FMC but offers no guidance as to what minimum speed should be attained before recovery to level flight. By experimentation, Vref 40 plus 100 knots works out OK. Typically around 230-235 knots IAS.
Would appreciate your views on what is considered a minimum safe speed to attain before levelling out.