Slow Flight
OBJECTIVE: To develop the pilot’s sense of feel and ability to use the flight controls correctly, and to improve proficiency in maneuvers that require slow airspeeds.
ELEMENTS
Relationship of configuration, weight, center of gravity, maneuvering loads, angle of bank, and power to flight characteristics and controllability Relationship of the maneuver to critical flight situations, such as go-around Performance of the maneuver with selected landing gear and flap configurations in straight-and-level flight and level turns Specified airspeed for the maneuver Coordination of flight controls Trim technique Recovery to cruise flight COMPLETION STANDARDS
COMMON ERRORS
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THINGS TO REMEMBER
Instructor: Distract student during pre-solo slow flight practice. The goal is to get the student to inadvertently stall the aircraft and recover despite their surprise. If they can't recover, they are not ready to solo. TRICKS
STUDY
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Slow Flight Procedure
- Clearing Turns
- Execute pre-landing checklist, hold the flaps for now
- Choose a visual reference on the horizon; point it out and align the aircraft with it
- Reduce power (or, in complex aircraft, extend landing gear)
- Larger power reduction make this harder maneuver
- In most trainer aircraft ~ 1800RPM-2000RPM
- Remind pilot to change rudder pressure for 0 rate of turn
- Pitch and trim for 0 VSI, hands off
- When back pressure substantial, release tiny bit
- First notch of flaps (relieves back pressure)
- Move elevator to maintain level (0 VSI)
- Pitch down, then up for zero rate of climb
- As speed decreases, flaps second setting to relieve back pressure
- As speed decreases, flaps third setting to relieve back pressure
- Continue backpressure at zero rate of climb until stall
- Add power (~2200-2300 RPM) that gives level flight
- Maintain pitch at level, rudder for zero rate of roll
- TRIM for zero rate of climb, TRIM rudder at zero rate of roll
- Recover with full power and reversing the process
- Complete Cruise Checklist