Objective: To recognize changes in aircraft flight characteristics and control effectiveness at critically slow airspeeds in various configurations.

Standards:

1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to flight characteristics and controllability associated with maneuvering during slow flight.
2. Selects an entry altitude that will allow the task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet AGL.
3. Establishes straight and level flight and level turns, with gear and flaps selected as specified.
4. Divides attention between airplane control and orientation.

PRIVATE                        
Airspeed:          10 kts (+10, -5 kts) above 1.2 Vs1 or Vmc, whichever is greater
Bank:               Max. 30°; +0, -10° during turning flight
Heading:           ± 10° during straight flight
Altitude:            ± 100 feet

COMMERCIAL
Airspeed:          Maintains the airspeed at 1.2 Vs1, ± 5 kts
Bank:               ± 10° during turning flight
Heading:           ± 5° during straight flight
Altitude:            ± 50 feet

Conditions:  The maneuver should be accomplished in straight flight, turns, climbs and descents with emphasis placed on smoothness, coordination and accuracy.

Description:

1. Select an altitude that will allow recovery no lower than 3000’ AGL.
2. Perform Pre-Maneuver Checklist.
3. Perform Clearing Turns.
4. Reduce power to 15” MP.  Smoothly increase pitch to maintain altitude as airspeed decreases.
5. Extend landing gear (below 140 KIAS)
6. As airspeed decreases to flap operating range (111 KIAS, white arc), extend flaps in increments to 40°, or as specified.  Retrim, as necessary, to compensate for changes in control pressures.  Set props full forward at 88 KIAS.
7. As airspeed approaches the desired airspeed (Commerical 69 KIAS), (Private 79 KIAS) or the airspeed specified, adjust power for level flight (approx. 21” MP).  Avoid abrupt changes in pitch, bank, and power.
8. Straight and level, turns, climbs and descents using various bank angles of 30° or less should be performed, as specified, while maintaining the desired or specified airspeed.
9. Recovery is initiated by smoothly applying full power, retracting flaps to 25°, accelerating to Vy, if applicable, while adjusting pitch to maintain altitude.
10. Retract the landing gear.
11. Retract the remaining flaps in increments.
12. Resume normal cruise, or as specified.