When does the stick shaker activate in relation to stall speed?

The stick shaker activates as a warning that the aircraft is approaching a stall condition, specifically when the airspeed is generally between 5 to 10 knots above the stall speed. This design is crucial for providing pilots with an early indication of impending stall conditions, allowing for timely corrective action to be taken. The stick shaker uses vibration to alert the pilot, giving them the chance to recover from low airspeed before reaching a stall.

The timing of this activation is vital in aviation safety. If the stick shaker were to activate at or below stall speed, it would not provide the pilots with adequate time to respond. Activating too far above stall speed could lead to situations where the aircraft is already in a less manageable flight state before warning the pilots. Thus, the choice that indicates activation at 5 to 10 knots above stall speed accurately reflects the intent behind the stick shaker’s function, emphasizing its role in helping maintain safe flight conditions.