Exercise 11 - Slow Flight

Question 1

Slow Flight Definition

Answer 1

Speeds between stall speed and max endurance

Question 2

When is Slow Flight Encountered?

Answer 2

• Takeoff/landing
• During Overshoot
• Transient condition - Only done for practice

Question 3

How can we tell we are in slow flight

Answer 3

• Nose up attitude
• High Power setting
• Low airspeed
• Stall horn
• Significant yaw
• Flight controls less effective

Question 4

Recovering From Slow Flight

Answer 4

Put the Nose Down and increase power

Question 5

Slow Flight Procedure

Answer 5

• Entry
• Maneuvering
• Recovery

Question 6

Slow Flight Entry Procedure

Answer 6

• HASEL check (Height, Area, Security, Engine gauges, Lookout)
• Establish maximum endurance
• Raise nose so airspeed drops
• Add power to maintain altitude (Control yaw)
• Confirm that slow flight has been established
• Trim

Question 7

Slow Flight Maneuvering

Answer 7

• Airspeed changes controlled with pitch
• Adjust power to maintain altitude
• PAT for both climbs and descents
• Gentle or medium turns only, more power required to maintain altitude
• Continuous rudder input needed

Question 8

Slow Flight Recovery

Answer 8

• Full throttle
• Lower the nose to gain airspeed
• Retract flaps in stages
• Set cruise power when at desired airspeed
• Trim

Question 9

Factors Affecting Slow Flight - Flaps

Answer 9

• Increase lift, reduced stall speed
• Increase drag, requires more power to maintain a given speed
• Lower nose, improving visibility and engine cooling

Question 10

Factors Affecting Slow Flight - Landing Gear

Answer 10

• Increase drag, requires more power to maintain given speed

Question 11

Slow Flight Safety - Instability

Answer 11

• Aircraft is more susceptible to displacements
• More pilot input to maintain attitudes
• Reversed relationship between speed and power leads to further speed changes in the same direction

Question 12

Slow Flight Safety - HASEL

Answer 12

• Used prior to several air work exercises to ensure the maneuver can be completed safely
• Height (sufficient recovery above 2000’ AGL)
• Area (not over built up areas)
• Security (Cockpit secure)
• Engine (Gauges green)
• Lookout (180º turn or two 90º turns)

Question 13

Slow Flight Safety - Yaw

Answer 13

• Much more pronounced in slow flight
• significant right rudder will be needed to maintain heading and prevent yaw-induced roll
• Keep ball centered

Question 14

Slow Flight Safety - Trim

Answer 14

• Recovery can include large control forces
• Anticipate this
• Start trimming early in recovery