Maneuvering During Slow Flight
Private Pilot ACS · Area VII · Task A · POH/AFM, FAA-H-8083-3
Everything you need to know about Maneuvering During Slow Flight for your private pilot checkride. Aligned to FAA-S-ACS-6C Task VII-A, covering maneuvering during slow flight.
Slow Flight Setup & Standards §
Entry: Gradually reduce power while maintaining altitude with increasing back pressure. Add flaps incrementally per POH. Add right rudder as power decreases and AoA increases (left-turning tendencies intensify at high AoA).
Established when: Flying 5–10 kts above stall speed with full control effectiveness — any further reduction would result in stall or uncontrollable descent.
ACS tolerances: Altitude ±100 ft, airspeed 5–10 kts above Vs, heading ±10°, bank ±10°.
Mushing vs slow flight: If the aircraft is mushing (not responding to controls), you are too slow. Maintain positive control throughout.
Established when: Flying 5–10 kts above stall speed with full control effectiveness — any further reduction would result in stall or uncontrollable descent.
ACS tolerances: Altitude ±100 ft, airspeed 5–10 kts above Vs, heading ±10°, bank ±10°.
Mushing vs slow flight: If the aircraft is mushing (not responding to controls), you are too slow. Maintain positive control throughout.
AFH Ch.4; ACS PA.VII.A
Why Practice Slow Flight §
Slow flight simulates the conditions during takeoff and landing — high AoA, low airspeed, high power setting. Develops the ability to recognize and control the aircraft at speeds just above stall where control feel and response change significantly.
In slow flight, the aircraft operates in the region of reversed command: increasing power raises altitude instead of speed; reducing power decreases altitude. This is the opposite of cruise flight behavior. Critical to understand for approach and landing control.
In slow flight, the aircraft operates in the region of reversed command: increasing power raises altitude instead of speed; reducing power decreases altitude. This is the opposite of cruise flight behavior. Critical to understand for approach and landing control.
PHAK Ch.11