Slow flight is not about flying as slowly as possible—it’s about learning how the aircraft handles just above stall speed, especially in landing conditions. Understanding slow flight improves landing accuracy and confidence, as the aircraft is in this low-energy state during final approach and flare.
Setup and Configuration
Begin with the airplane in level, trimmed flight. Slowly reduce power and add carb heat if required. Use a light grip on the yoke—two fingers if possible—to reinforce smooth control inputs. As airspeed decreases and enters the white arc, incrementally add flaps. Expect the nose to rise slightly with flap deployment; maintain altitude with pitch adjustments and trim.
Pitch for Airspeed, Power for Altitude
Maintain altitude with power and control airspeed with pitch. If the aircraft starts to descend, add power. If climbing, reduce power slightly. This concept is crucial to understanding how to hold altitude during slow flight. Minor changes in power result in subtle vertical speed corrections.
Coordinated Control and Rudder Emphasis
In slow flight, aileron effectiveness is reduced. Rudder becomes the primary tool for maintaining coordinated turns. Demonstrate shallow turns using minimal aileron and more rudder input to stay coordinated. Practice gentle left or right heading changes, maintaining altitude and coordination throughout.
Recovery Procedure
Recovery should be smooth and deliberate. Apply full power while countering nose-up tendency with forward pressure on the yoke. Retract flaps incrementally per your aircraft’s POH. Maintain positive airspeed and a slight climb until safely back to cruise configuration and altitude. Use trim to stabilize flight—think of it as a manual autopilot.
The Value in Slow Flight
Slow flight is a valuable maneuver that helps pilots build confidence and control in the landing phase. Mastery of this technique results in more consistent approaches and safer landings. Practice slow, coordinated control inputs, effective trim usage, and a smooth recovery to improve overall airmanship.
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