SLOW FLIGHT

Defined:

• “The establishment, maintenance of, and maneuvering of the airplane at airspeeds and in configurations appropriate to takeoffs, climbs, decents, landing approaches and go-arounds”

• “Maneuvering at the slowest airspeed at which the airplane is capable of maneuvering”

-Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)

Purpose

• Develop pilot’s ability to use controls correctly• Improve proficiency in performing maneuvers

that require slow airspeeds

Slow Flight Entry

• Accomplish the Pre-maneuver check– Fuel Selector – set to appropriate tank– Mixture – set full rich– Engine gauges – reading within range

• Clear the area by using clearing turns

Major Concerns:

• Asymmetric loading (P-Factor)• Incoordination

How it works:

• Decrease in:– Airspeed

• Increase in:– Angle of attack– Wing shape

• Results: – Lift remains unchanged

Sources

• Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

(FAA-H-8083-25A)• Ohio University Piper Warrior Maneuvers

Guide