Maneuvering During Slow Flight
Lesson Plan

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:

Required Materials:

• Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

• Discuss maneuvering during slow flight
• Discuss region of reverse command
• Discuss small airplane specifics
• Discuss large airplane specifics
• Discuss multi-engine considerations during slow flight
• Discuss maneuvering during slow flight procedure
• Discuss maneuvering during slow flight common errors
Discuss maneuvering during slow flight airman certification standards
• Discuss case studies
• Conclusion

Student Actions:

• Complete assigned reading (see content above)
• Ask pertinent questions
• Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate

Completion Standards:

• Maneuvering During Slow Flight:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with maneuvering during slow flight
  • Note: See Appendix 6: Safety of Flight and Appendix 7: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM

  
  

  Knowledge:

  The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.VII.A.K1:

    Aerodynamics associated with slow flight in various airplane configurations, to include 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 demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • 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:

    Failure to maintain coordinated 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, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires

  • PA.VII.A.R6:

    Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.

  
  

  Maneuvering During Slow Flight Skills:

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.VII.A.S1:

    Clear the area

  • PA.VII.A.S2:

    Select an entry altitude that will allow the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet 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., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.)

  • PA.VII.A.S4:

    Accomplish coordinated straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents with the airplane configured as specified by the evaluator without a stall warning (e.g., airplane 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