Slow flight

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Slow flight is a portion of an airplane's performance envelope above the speed at which the plane will stall, but below the speed for best glide. This is also known as the back side of the power curve where more power is required to go slower and still maintain straight and level flight. A large angle of attack is required in order to maintain the altitude of the aircraft.

Due to the low speed of the aircraft flight controls begin to lose their efficiency. Ailerons, in particular, are susceptible. The rudder remains the most efficient flight surface and the adverse affect of yaw which alters pitch is useful for altering the direction of the aircraft without the need for aileron inputs. If the ailerons are excesively used it is probable you will stall one wing (due to the increased angle of attack) and thus enter a spin.

Before practicing slow flight be sure to check the surrounding area and prepare the aircraft for slow flight. It is a good idea to carry out a HASELL check as it incorporates all the necessary checks. A lot of rearward trim is required to maintain the nose high attitude, and it is not uncommon for the trim to be all the way to the rear of the aircraft. Even then some control column input could be required.

An aircraft is most likely to enter slow flight when carrying out a missed approach at an airfield. This is due to the low air speed, high power setting, and a nose up attitude. To get out of slow flight just apply full power, slowly lower the nose and when the airspeed has built, so you are no longer in slow flight, climb away.

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