Why is slow flight such a big deal? Well, it normally isn't. That's because flying slowly-as when landing or taking off-is part of an airplane's normal operating range. As this article's main text notes, SAFO 16010, Maneuvering During Slow Flight in an Airplane, was issued to clarify the new ACS. It states, "Airplanes operate at low airspeeds and at high angles of attack during the takeoff/departure and approach/landing phases of flight. It is essential that pilots learn: (1) the airplane cues in that flight condition, (2) how to smoothly manage coordinated flight control inputs, and (3) the progressive signals that a stall may be imminent when deviating further from this condition." Existing guidance in the Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH, FAA-H-8083-3B) puts it more succinctly, "The objective of maneuvering in slow flight is to understand the flight characteristics and how the airplane's flight controls feel near its aerodynamic buffet or stall-warning."
展开▼
