Maneuvering During Slow Flight
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with maneuvering during slow flight in cruise configuration
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Attention:

  • Research a case study
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

Motivator:

  • Slow flight develops the ability to recognize changes in aircraft flight characteristics and control effectiveness at critically slow airspeeds in various configurations
  • While pilots may perform slow flight to loiter over an area during cruise flight, it is most often performed incidental to takeoff and landing
  • With multi-engine aircraft the concept of minimum controllable airspeed comes into play
  • Speed Instability:
    • Flying slower than minimum drag speed (LD/max), more power will be required, due to total drag curve and slight disturbances will decrease airspeed

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Maneuvering During Slow Flight:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Private Pilot - Maneuvering During Slow Flight Airman Certification Standards:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with maneuvering during slow flight in cruise configuration
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Maneuvering During Slow Flight Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
  • PA.VII.A.K1:
    Aerodynamics associated with slow flight in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects

Maneuvering During Slow Flight Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

  • PA.VII.A.R1:

    Inadvertent slow flight and flight with a stall warning, which could lead to loss of control

  • PA.VII.A.R2:

    Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.)

  • PA.VII.A.R3:

    Uncoordinated flight

  • PA.VII.A.R4:

    Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude)

  • PA.VII.A.R5:

    Collision hazards

  • PA.VII.A.R6:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation

Maneuvering During Slow Flight Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:
  • PA.VII.A.S1:
    Clear the area
  • PA.VII.A.S2:
    Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES)
  • PA.VII.A.S3:
    Establish and maintain an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power, would result in a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.)
  • PA.VII.A.S4:
    Accomplish coordinated straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents with the aircraft configured as specified by the evaluator without a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.)
  • PA.VII.A.S5:
    Maintain the specified altitude, ±100 feet; specified heading, ±10°; airspeed, +10/-0 knots; and specified angle of bank, ±10°

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

  • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson
  • Assign study materials for the next lesson