Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 16, 2026

HASELL

In aviation, in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and elsewhere, HASELL or alternatively HASEL, is a standard mnemonic to prompt a series of checks prior to carrying out many types of manoeuvres, such as stalls, spins, spiral dives or aerobatics.

Last revised
Jun 16, 2026
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In aviation, in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and elsewhere, HASELL or alternatively HASEL, is a standard mnemonic to prompt a series of checks prior to carrying out many types of manoeuvres, such as stalls, spins, spiral dives or aerobatics.1

The HASEL acronym stands for:1

  • Height
  • Area
  • Security
  • Engine
  • Lookout

or alternatively:23

  • Height
  • Airframe
  • Security
  • Engine
  • Location
  • Lookout

HASELL is often abbreviated to HELL for any subsequent manoeuvres.

The Area or Location check can be broken down into the following checks with the mnemonic ABCCD:3

  • Active airfields
  • Built up areas
  • Cloud
  • Controlled airspace
  • Danger areas
References

References

  1. Kaiser, John W.: How to Fly Book - Cessna 150, page 37. Victoria Flying Club, 1977.
  2. CAA NZ Flight Instructor Guide: Basic Stalling Retrieved 14 December 2011
  3. Jeremy M. Pratt: PPL Volume 1, Flying Training