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During a stall, the center of pressure does indeed move forward initially and then shifts rapidly aft. Understanding the behavior of the center of pressure during a stall is crucial for pilots, as it directly affects the aircraft's handling characteristics.

As the angle of attack increases approaching the stall, the airflow over the wing begins to separate, leading to the initial movement of the center of pressure forward. This shift results from changes in lift distribution as airflow over the wing is disrupted. Once the airflow separation becomes significant and the stall condition is fully established, the position of the center of pressure shifts rapidly aft. This aft movement is due to the substantial loss of lift and increased drag that occurs as the wing loses its ability to generate effective aerodynamic lift.

This understanding is critical for pilots to anticipate how the aircraft will respond during a stall, allowing them to execute recovery techniques effectively. Proper awareness of these dynamics helps maintain control of the aircraft, particularly in low-speed and high-angle-of-attack situations.