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Slow Flight Chris Evans
What is slow flight? • Slow flight is a maneuver that demonstrates the flight characteristics and degree of controllability of the airplane at its minimum flying speed. By definition, the term “flight at minimum controllable airspeed” means a speed at which and further increase in angle of attack, load factor, or reduction in power will cause an immediate stall.
Anticipatory Set • Slow flight is important to learn because you will be flying at slower airspeeds when you are in the traffic pattern and closer to the ground. A student will be able to fly the airplane at these speeds in a safe manor. If a student does not learn this, it could be dangerous to the pilots and the people on the ground.
ILO • The students will be able to enter the maneuver correctly and demonstrate that they are proficient at flying the aircraft during this phase of flight.
Setting up the Maneuver • Step 1: • Clearing turns: Clear the area for other traffic, obstacles, and a possible emergency field to land on. • Step 2: • Radio calls: Let others who are in the practice area know who you are, where you are, how high, and what you are doing.
Step 3: GUMPPP • Pre-Maneuver Checklist: GUMPPP • G: Gas, Check it is on the proper tank. • U: Undercarriage, for slow flight dirty it will be down. Slow flight clean, it will be up. • M: Mixture is rich. • P: Pumps. Make sure fuel pump is on. • P: Prop. Make sure the prop is full forward. • P: Power. Reduce.
Starting the Maneuver • Step 4: • Reduce power to 15 inches of manifold pressure. Start to pitch back. • Step 5: • Below 129 knots drop gear. • Below 103 start dropping the flaps. • Use necessary power to hold altitude. (Usually right around 20 inches of manifold pressure)
Slow Flight • Step 6: • Announce stall warning horn. • Maintain heading assigned by instructor. • The student should be accomplish straight and level flight, turns, climbs, and descents with landing gear and flap configurations specified by the examiner. (PTS)
Coaching • Demonstrate the maneuver in the airplane for the student the first time. • Or, • Walk through the maneuver with the student and have him or her actually do the procedures.
Probing Questions • What is the definition of slow flight? • Flight at minimal controllable airspeed. • When are we flying slower? • In the traffic pattern. • Who is in danger if done incorrectly? • Pilots and people on the ground.
Closing • The student should be able to demonstrate slow flight when the instructor or examiner asks them to.
Assessment • The instructor will see if the student can perform the maneuver with out any assistance from the instructor. If the student needs help, then the instructor will intervene.