Objective:

To teach the student to recognize changes in aircraft flight characteristic and control effectiveness at critically slow airspeeds in various configurations while maintaining positive aircraft control at all times.

Elements:

  1. Knowledge of the elements related to maneuvering during slow flight.
  2. Selects an entry altitude that will allow the task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet AGL or the recommended altitude, whichever is higher.
  3. Perform Clearing Turns and Pre-Maneuver Check and Configure the airplane.
  4. Maintain airspeed just above stall, minimum controllable airspeed.
  5. Trim Aircraft as necessary.
  6. Accomplish coordinated straight-and-level flight and level turns.
  7. Accomplish coordinated climbs and descents, straight and turning.
  8. Divide attention between airplane control and orientation.
  9. Maintains the specified altitude, ±100 feet; the specified heading, ±10°; and airspeed, +10/-0 knots.
  10. Maintains the specified angle of bank, not to exceed 30° in level flight, +0/-10°; maintains the specified angle of bank, not to exceed 20° in climbing or descending flight, +0/-10°; rolls out on the specified heading, ±10°; and levels off from climbs and descents within ±100 feet.
  11. Re-establishment of cruise flight when maneuver is completed.

Common Errors:

  1. Failure to look for traffic or clear the area before configuring aircraft.
  2. Failure to establish specified configuration.
  3. Improper entry technique.
  4. Failure to establish and maintain the specified airspeed.
  5. Not flying the airplane at minimum controlable airspeed, if stall horn not on... not slow enough.
  6. Excessive variations of altitude, heading, and bank when a constant altitude, heading, and bank are specified.
  7. Rough or uncoordinated control technique.
  8. Faulty trim technique.
  9. Unintentional stall.
  10. Inappropriate removal of hand from throttle.

References:

  • FAA Private Pilot PTS
  • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, pp 3-17 (Aerodynamic Forces During Maneuvers)
  • Airplane Flying Handbook, pp 4-1 – 4-2

Notes:

Discribe how this relates to airspeeds required for landings.
Flight at minimum controllable airspeeds and just above the stall are included.
Discuss relation to power curve.