Maneuvering During Slow Flight Technique

 Maneuvering During 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:

1.     Relationship of configuration, weight, center of gravity, maneuvering loads, angle of bank, and power to flight characteristics and controllability. 2.     Relationship of the maneuver to critical flight situations, such as go-arounds. 3.     Performance of the maneuver in various landing gear and flap configurations during straight-and-level flight and level turns. 4.     Specified airspeed for the maneuver. 5.     Coordination of flight controls. 6.     Trim technique. 7.     Re-establishment of cruise flight.

Completion Standards:

1.     Exhibits 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.

3.     Establishes and maintains an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power, would result in an immediate stall.

4.     Accomplishes coordinated straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents with landing gear and flap configurations specified by the examiner.

5.     Divides attention between airplane control and orientation.

6.     Maintains the specified altitude, ±100 feet; specified heading, ±10°; airspeed, +10/−0 knots; and specified angle of bank, ±10°.

Common Errors:

1.     Failure to adequately clear the area.

2.     Inadequate back-elevator pressure as power is reduced, resulting in altitude loss.

3.     Excessive back-elevator pressure as power is reduced, resulting in a climb, followed by a rapid reduction in airspeed and “mushing”.

4.     Inadequate compensation for adverse yaw during turns.

5.     Fixation on the airspeed indicator.

6.     Failure to anticipate changes in lift as flaps are extended or retracted.

7.     Inadequate power management.

8.   Inability to adequately divide attention between airplane control and orientation.

Maneuvering During Slow Flight Technique (Landing Configuration):

DESCRIPTION: Select an altitude that will allow recovery no lower than 1500’ AGL. Perform Pre-Maneuver Checklist. Perform clearing turns. Apply carburetor heat, as appropriate, and reduce power to 1500 RPM (15” MP). Smoothly increase pitch attitude to maintain altitude as airspeed decreases. ·       As airspeed decreases to flap operating range (white arc.), extend flaps in increments to full flaps, or as specified. Lower landing gear when below Vlo. Trim as necessary to compensate for changes in control pressures. ·       As airspeed approaches slow flight, adjust power for level flight (approx. 2000 RPM or 20” MP)> Avoid abrupt changes in  pitch, bank and power. Stabilize the aircraft maintaining heading, altitude and airspeed. ·       Straight and level, turns, climbs and descents should be performed using various flap settings and bank angles, as specified, while maintaining slow flight. Recovery is initiated by smoothly applying full power, shutting off carburetor heat, as appropriate, and adjusting pitch to maintain altitude. Select the second flap setting and establish a pitch attitude, as appropriate, to maintain altitude. ·       As airspeed increases, select the first flap setting and establish a pitch attitude, as appropriate, to maintain altitude. ·       Above appropriate indicated airspeed, retract the remaining flaps and landing gear as required. Resume normal cruise, or as specified.

Maneuvering During Slow Flight Technique (Clean Configuration):

DESCRIPTION: Select an altitude that will allow recovery no lower than 1500’ AGL. Perform Pre-Maneuver Checklist. Perform clearing turns. Apply carburetor heat, as appropriate, and reduce power to 1200 RPM (12” MP). Smoothly increase pitch attitude to maintain altitude as airspeed decreases. ·       As airspeed approaches slow flight, adjust power for level flight (approx. 1900 RPM or 18” MP). Avoid abrupt changes in pitch, bank, and power. Stabilize the aircraft maintaining heading, altitude and airspeed. ·         Straight and level, turns, climbs and descents using various bank angle should be performed, as specified, while maintaining slow flight. Recovery is initiated by smoothly applying full power, shutting off carburetor heat, as appropriate, and adjusting pitch to maintain altitude. Resume normal cruise, or as specified.