HASELL

[shumway76]

Pre stall checks, we use the nmemonic HASELL.
Can anyone explain what the "A" of the HASELL is?

As far as I know it's 'Airframe - Flaps as required.'
If we're doing clean stalls, then it should be "flaps up".
If we're doing dirty stall, it should also be "flaps up" since we only extend the flaps in stages during the stall entry.
So why do the "A" part of the HASELL when it's going to be 'flaps up' anyway?

[Big Pistons Forever]

The A is for "Area". That is the student should determine that it is both safe and legal to perform the manoever in their chosen location

[flybymike]

I was taught Height, airframe, security, engine, location , lookout.
So for area read "location"
For "airframe" I thought this was more to do with spinning and relevant certification.

[Jim59]

airframe.


HASSELL does not relate only to stalling but all other aerobatics as well.

Is the aircraft permitted to do the planned manoeuvre?
Are there configuration issues. Eg Slats on a Tiger Moth or Flap settings.
What are the limiting speeds for the aircraft?
G limits for the manoeuvre.

[Level Attitude]

HASSELL does not relate only to stalling but all other aerobatics as well.

Is the aircraft permitted to do the planned manoeuvre?

Absolutely !

Instructor flying a string of Trial Lessons in a variety of club aircraft.
Student asks if he can see a Loop.
Sure says Instructor, then gets to A of HASELL and realises he is
in a 152 not a 152 Aerobat.
Ok Lets look at a wingover instead.

[fireflybob]

It's been indirectly mentioned already but would include consideration of whether in "Utility Category" (as opposed to "Normal Category") as appropriate for maneuver.

[Captain Capstan]

I was always taught that A meant Airframe and covered everything from configuration to limits. i.e. gear and flap position, what manoeuvres the aircraft was certified for, limits such as G and limiting speeds and how much altitude was needed to recover. And for big pistons the first L is for LOCATION I.E. AREA so whoever taught that didn't know what he was talking about.

[Big Pistons Forever]

I guess this is the case of national differences. In Canada the HASEL check ( ie one "L" for lookout ) is taught with the A for area. Personally like the original poster I can't see the point of the "aircraft" check.

The point of the HASEL check is to make sure new pilots are sure the aircraft is prepared for any manoever. The configuration that the aircraft is set up for ( ie what flaps to set, limit speeds etc) is a manoever specific SOP. "Checks" like the HASEL should be to ensure flight safety critical items are not missed. It should not be a "how to fly" checklist.

Any aerobatic instructor that needs a mnemonic to make sure they are in a aerobatic as apposed to an non aerobatic Cessna 152 before starting a loop, needs to re think their profession

[shumway76]

We are also thought, after the first stall, subsequent stall performed immdeiately thereafter, pre-stall check HALL is sufficient.
Anyone experienced the same?
Notice that "A" in of the original HASELL is still there. I guess "A" to check config (flaps) is also correct? (To ensure aircraft config is corrent since last stall)

[tecman]

I think BPF has picked up the regional difference already. In Aust the 'A' is for 'area' in all the training with which I've been associated. It's basically to make sure you can start the practice at a sufficiently high altitude and recover by a specified level, typically 3000'. Not annoying neighbours, or frightening horses also enters into the choice of location.

[500ft]

I trained in New Zealand and was taught A for airframe. Follow up check was HELL.

[garrya100]

Things must be different on the west coast, over here on the east coast of Oz I've always been taught 'Airframe' ie clean, flaps up or down, gear up or down etc. as required for normal stalls or accelerated stalls (or climbing stalls, descending stalls.....)

L is for location, and lookout....

[Weirdfish]

We are also thought, after the first stall, subsequent stall performed immdeiately thereafter, pre-stall check HALL is sufficient.
Anyone experienced the same?
Notice that "A" in of the original HASELL is still there. I guess "A" to check config (flaps) is also correct? (To ensure aircraft config is corrent since last stall)

No, I was taught subsequent checks are H E L L

[tecman]

Must be even more regional than that, Garry! I learned to fly just up the road from you, at Parkes. But I did find the 'area' bit held in a number of different centres. I guess the message is not so much in the precise mnemonic as remembering to set yourself up properly, however you do it.

[Lightning Mate]

HASELL was invented by the RAF many moons ago (I first encountered it in 1965).

In the UK, A is for Airframe, since area is covered by the first L, Location.

LM - QFI Ancien.

[Whopity]

The A is for "Area". That is the student should determine that it is both safe and legal to perform the manoever in their chosen location

Well Canada is bigger than the UK so maybe it takes you longer. In the UK "Area" is covered by the two Ls - Location and Lookout

[BackPacker]

Personally like the original poster I can't see the point of the "aircraft" check.

There were a few times where I started aerobatics with the fuel pump switched off. As this was in an aircraft with carbureted engine, it takes significantly longer for the engine to restore power after inverted flight. Only then did I remember that I had forgotten the whole HASELL check.

For me, the Airframe check is a quick glance round the cockpit to check whether everything is how it's supposed to be. Flaps up, carb heat off, fuel pump on, canopy closed and locked, loose objects stowed, instrument settings correct, G meter reset to 0, trim set and so forth. To a very large extent it follows the same flow as the pre-take-off checks.

[Unusual Attitude]

Likewise I was taught the RAF way with HASELL having a second 'L' for Location which was further subdivided by 'ABC' as follows:-

A = Active airfields
B = Built up areas
C = Clouds and controlled airspace (unless cleared as we were usually in a MATZ or ATZ)

So I was taught a full HASELL as follows:-

Height = Sufficient to recover
Airframe = Flaps, speedbrakes, gear etc
Security = Hatches & harnesses + loose items stowed
Engine = T&P's / carb heat / prop / mixture etc
Location = Clear of ABC's as above
Lookout = either a 180 or 2 x 90 deg turns.

Subsequent manouvers then only require an abbreviated HELL.....

Regards

UA

[mad_jock]

Airframe was also a check for any loose items which might cause issues.

[RTN11]

Airframe was also a check for any loose items which might cause issues.

I'd of covered that with the S for security

Location = Clear of ABC's as above
Lookout = either a 180 or 2 x 90 deg turns.

I'd say the turns are to cover both of these. Far too many people just say "location - clear of airfields, built up areas..." but without flying a steepish turn to check under the wings, how can you be sure there's not built up area underneath you. So I'd say the turns are to check what's underneath you just as much as checking for other aircraft in the area.

As for the A, Airframe which covers flaps, retractable gear, park brake (some aircraft have a rudder limiter if the park brake is set so you need to be doubly sure it's off before aerobatics), caged gyros, a whole load of stuff can be included in there.

In a PA28 just doing stalls, it only really refers to flaps.