Chapter 4—Slow Flight, Stalls, and Spins |
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Table of Contents Introduction Slow Flight Flight at Less than Cruise Airspeeds Flight at Minimum Controllable Airspeed Stalls Recognition of Stalls Fundamentals of Stall Recovery Use of Ailerons/Rudder in Stall Recovery Stall Characteristics Approaches to Stalls (Imminent Stalls)—Power-On or Power-Off Full Stalls Power-Off Full Stalls Power-On Secondary Stall Accelerated Stalls Cross-Control Stall Elevator Trim Stall Spins Spin Procedures Entry Phase Incipient Phase Developed Phase Recovery Phase Intentional Spins Weight and Balance Requirements |
SLOW FLIGHT & FLIGHT AT LESS THAN CRUISE AIRSPEEDS The maintenance of lift and control of an airplane in flight requires a certain minimum airspeed. This critical airspeed depends on certain factors, such as gross weight, load factors, and existing density altitude. The minimum speed below which further controlled flight is impossible is called the stalling speed. An important feature of pilot training is the development of the ability to estimate the margin of safety above the stalling speed. Also, the ability to determine the characteristic responses of any airplane at different airspeeds is of great importance to the pilot. The student pilot, therefore, must develop this awareness in order to safely avoid stalls and to operate an airplane correctly and safely at slow airspeeds. SLOW FLIGHT Slow flight could be thought of, by some, as a speed that is less than cruise. In pilot training and testing, however, slow flight is broken down into two distinct elements:
FLIGHT AT LESS THAN CRUISE AIRSPEEDS Maneuvering during slow flight demonstrates the flight characteristics and degree of controllability of an airplane at less than cruise speeds. The ability to determine the characteristic control responses at the lower airspeeds appropriate to takeoffs, departures, and landing approaches is a critical factor in stall awareness. As airspeed decreases, control effectiveness decreases disproportionately. For instance, there may be a certain loss of effectiveness when the airspeed is reduced from 30 to 20 m.p.h. above the stalling speed, but there will normally be a much greater loss as the airspeed is further reduced to 10 m.p.h. above stalling. The objective of maneuvering during slow flight is to develop the pilot’s sense of feel and ability to use the controls correctly, and to improve proficiency in performing maneuvers that require slow airspeeds. Maneuvering during slow flight should be performed using both instrument indications and outside visual reference. Slow flight should be practiced from straight glides, straight-and-level flight, and from medium banked gliding and level flight turns. Slow flight at approach speeds should include slowing the airplane smoothly and promptly from cruising to approach speeds without changes in altitude or heading, and determining and using appropriate power and trim settings. Slow flight at approach speed should also include configuration changes, such as landing gear and flaps, while maintaining heading and altitude. |
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