Slow Flight Procedures


  1. Ask passengers to help look for traffic.

    • Thoughts: It's essential to maintain situational awareness during slow flight operations. Engaging passengers in this way can help ensure safety by having more eyes on potential traffic.

    • Additional Info: This practice is especially important in busy airspaces.

  2. Pre-Maneuver Checks.

    • Thoughts: Conducting checks prior to maneuvers is crucial to confirm that the aircraft is in a safe condition to operate.

    • Additional Info: This could include checking fuel levels, systems, and confirming that all passengers are secured.

  3. Choose an outside reference point, and bug/note your entry heading.

    • Thoughts: Selecting a stable reference helps in maintaining control and orientation during slow flight.

    • Additional Info: “Bugging” refers to setting a heading on the aircraft's directional indicator for navigation.

  4. Reduce power to 1500 RPM, hold heading with slight rudder (left).

    • Thoughts: Reducing power allows the aircraft to slow down without losing altitude rapidly.

    • Additional Info: Using slight rudder input helps maintain coordinated flight.

  5. Hold altitude with backpressure and trim about 3 slow turns of nose up trim while decelerating.

    • Thoughts: Balancing pitch during deceleration is key to maintaining altitude.

    • Additional Info: Trim adjustments help alleviate control pressure on the yoke.

  6. At 70 KIAS, increase power to 1800 RPM, adjust pitch trim for 65 KIAS.

    • Thoughts: This step transitions the aircraft from standard slow flight to a controlled slower flight speed.

    • Additional Info: KIAS stands for Knots Indicated Airspeed, a critical measurement for maintaining safe flight.

  7. Power controls altitude, Pitch controls airspeed.

    • Thoughts: Understanding this principle is fundamental in flight.

    • Additional Info: Power (throttle) adjustments primarily impact altitude, while pitch angle affects the airspeed.

  8. Bug heading 60° to the left.

    • Thoughts: Following a planned route is crucial for effective navigation.

    • Additional Info: Consistency in heading helps avoid unnecessary altitude changes.

  9. Maintain altitude while making shallow turn (10°-15° bank maximum).

    • Thoughts: Shallow turns are safer in slow flight to prevent stall situations.

    • Additional Info: Maintaining bank limits reduces the risk of excessive lift loss.

  10. At edge of heading bug, rollout. Under 110 KIAS flaps to 10°, 1 turn nose down trim.

    • Thoughts: Rollout indicates transitioning back to straight flight for altitude maintenance.

    • Additional Info: Flap adjustments help regain lift when needed, particularly in slow flight.

  11. Bug heading 60° to the right.

    • Thoughts: Similar to number 4, maintaining a specific heading is essential for effective navigation.

    • Additional Info: Constant adjustments may be necessary to stay on the correct course.

  12. Maintain altitude while making shallow turn (10°-15° bank maximum).

    • Thoughts: Repetition reinforces muscle memory in managing slow flight maneuvers.

    • Additional Info: Consistency in technique is vital in developing good flying habits.

  13. At edge of heading bug, rollout. Under 85 KIAS flaps to 20°, 1 turn nose down trim.

    • Thoughts: This step further prepares the aircraft for landing configurations by adjusting flaps.

    • Additional Info: Adjustments are crucial as airspeed decreases.

  14. Bug heading 60° to the right.

    • Thoughts: Attention to navigation aids in maintaining a safe flight path.

    • Additional Info: Consistency in following headings is vital to prevent disorientation.

  15. Maintain altitude while making shallow turn (10°-15° bank maximum).

    • Thoughts: Regular practice in shallow turning helps build confidence in handling the aircraft.

    • Additional Info: Effective control inputs are necessary to maintain good flight posture.

  16. At the edge of heading bug, rollout. Under 85 KIAS flaps to 30°, 1 turn nose down trim.

    • Thoughts: Preparing for landing with the appropriate flap settings increases control as speed decreases.

    • Additional Info: Understanding flap deployment enhances overall safety during approach.

  17. Bug heading 60° to the right.

    • Thoughts: Indicates a systematic approach to maintaining a focus on navigation.

    • Additional Info: Revisiting the bugged headings ensures adherence to flight paths.

  18. At the edge of heading bug, rollout.

    • Thoughts: Finalizing the procedure ensures readiness to transition to the next phase of flight.

    • Additional Info: Effective communication and control inputs aid in smooth operations.