"It is generally acknowledged that a stall in the pattern is unrecoverable...."

By whom?

I'd hate to try a recovery from a full stall on a turn to final, but since I know what an impending stall feels like, and how to deal with it, I think that I'm far less likely to suffer the consequences of an unintended departure from controlled flight than some.

My Lancair 320 has the nastiest stall I've ever experienced. It is uncontrollable in a full stall. If there was ever a good reason to practice slow flight (flying at a critical AOA) and stall recovery, my Lancair provides it. When my Lancair stalls, the nose pitches down and the left wing drops instantly. That said, I have never lost more that 500' from onset of the full stall to a full recovery (climbing at a safe airspeed). If my stick is beginning to tremble, it's time to ease off, add power, or both. Slow flight practice will make this reaction second nature.

My target airspeeds in the pattern (with flaps) are 80-85 KIAS on base and turn to final and then 72 KIAS on final. My stall speed is about 60 KIAS out of ground effect. I think my touchdown speed is usually about 60 KIAS. I do not have a AOA indicator so I'm very sensitive to the feel of the aircraft. For my regular full-flap approach, I find that if my cowling is almost obscuring my aim-point, I am on-speed with plenty of energy to round out without excessive float. If everything is just right, I can safely land on an 1800' runway. If not, I get to go-around and try again. A 2,500' or better runway is a piece of cake.

This thread has been a good discussion for Lancair flyers.

Bill Kennedy
N42BK