Slow Flight

Objective: The student will be introduced to slow flight including the topics of aerodynamics of flight at slow speeds, power curves, and the procedures for the maneuver.

Completion Standards: The student will be able to explain what slow flight is and why it is important. The student will also be able to explain what a power curve is. The student will be able to explain how to perform the slow flight maneuver  through a step-by-step process.

References: AFM Ch 5, PHAK Ch 5

Equipment: White Board and markers, iPad/ computer 

IP’s Actions:

• Assess student

• State the objective and completion standards

• Writes down references

• Provide attention getter

• Present content

• Assessment

• Assign Homework

SP’s Actions:

• Take notes

• Ask Questions

Introduction: 

(Attention Getter) : (Link goes here)

Motivation: (Discuss purpose for lesson and relate to Attention getter)

What happens when an aircraft gets too slow?

Overview:

(List of sections) 

Content:

What is the difference between a stall an slow flight?

• Slow flight is when you are right above stall speed

  • Lift is still being generated 

  • Using extra power to counteract stall

  • The use of flight controls are still able to control flight

• Stalls

  • Controls are not effective

  • Loss of lift

Aerodynamics of aircraft at slow speeds

During a stall:

• A stall is an aerodynamic condition which occurs when smooth airflow over the airplane’s wings is disrupted, resulting in loss of lift

• When the AOA—the angle between the chord line of the wing and the relative wind—exceeds the wing’s critical AOA

Power curve

• Talk about the power curve

  • The backside of power curve

Slow speeds and slow flight:

Things to remember

• Like power on stall

• Torque effect

• The use of right rudder

• Controls feel sluggish but are still effective

 When might we do slow flight?

• Normal in the takeoff/departure and approach/landing phases of flight

• During a go-around 

Things to help alleviate pressure during slow flight

• The use of trim

Tying everything into one:

Slow Flight

Configurations and setup

Clean (Flaps up):

Entry

1. Clear the area

2. Set heading bug/ reference point

   1. Choose a reference point slightly above the horizon

3. Choose an altitude above 1500’

   1. Preferably above 2000’

Slow flight

1. When established bring power back

   1. To about 1500 RPM

   2. Maintain altitude and heading

2. Slowing to stall horn

   1. Make sure to not stall

3. As stall horn is on add power until it goes off

   1. About 1700 RPM

4. Maintain 2 Kn above stall horn

   1. At the speed when horn goes off

Recovery/exit

1. Maintaining heading and altitude

2. Apply power smoothly and slowly until reaching cruise speed

Dirty (Flaps Down):

Entry

1. Clear the Area

2. Choose altitude no lower than 1500’

   1. Preferably 2000’ or above

3. Bug heading/ reference point above the horizon

Slow flight

1. On selected heading/ reference point

2. Bring power to 1500 RPM

3. At 110 Kn apply flaps 10

4. At 85 Kn apply flaps full

5. Slowing to stall horn

   1. Make sure to not stall

6. As stall horn is on add power until it goes off

   1. About 1900 RPM

7. Maintain 2 Kn above stall horn

   1. At the speed when horn goes off

Recovery/exit

1. Maintaining heading and altitude

2. Apply power smoothly and slowly until reaching cruise speed

3. Simultaneously retract flaps

   1. Immediately to flaps 20

   2. At 60 Kn flaps 10

   3. At 65 Kn flaps up

Common Errors:

1. Failure to adequately clear the area

2. Inadequate back-elevator pressure as power is reduced, resulting in altitude loss

3. Excessive back-elevator pressure as power is reduced, resulting in a climb followed by rapid reduction in airspeed

4. Insufficient right rudder to compensate for left yaw

5. Fixation on the flight instruments

6. Failure to anticipate changes in AOA as flaps are extended or retracted

7. Inadequate power management

8. Inability to adequately divide attention between airplane control and orientation

9. Failure to properly trim the airplane

10. Failure to respond to a stall warning

Conclusion

Went over the differences between a stall and slow flight

Went over the power curve

Went over the characteristics of flight at slow speeds

Went over the steps for slow flight and the different conditions.

(Questions to assess student)

Why is it important to learn about slow flight?

What are the steps for slow flight Clean?

Explain the power curve.

HW: 

Look over the procedures for slow flight in the AFM.