Slow flight, Stalls, and Spins

Purpose of and procedures for proper slow flight.

Aerodynamics associated with slow flight in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

Common errors related to this Task.

Inadvertent slow flight and flight with a stall warning, which could lead to loss of control.

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Uncoordinated flight.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high- density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).

Establish and maintain an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power, would result in a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Accomplish coordinated straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents with the aircraft configured as specified by the evaluator without a stall warning (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Maintain the specified altitude, ±50 feet; specified heading, ±10°; airspeed, +5/-0 knots; and specified angle of bank, ±5°.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Purpose of and procedures for demonstration of flight characteristics at various configurations and airspeeds.

Power required at various airspeeds between cruise airspeed and critically slow airspeeds near the critical angle of attack.

The minimum power required speed and its role in differentiating the region of normal command and the region of reversed command on the power-required curve.

The relationships between lift, drag, angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power required, weight, center of gravity, attitude, yaw effects, controllability, and stalls and spins.

Pitch, power, and trim control inputs that are required to operate the airplane in level flight, turns, climbs, and descents and how the control inputs change at various airspeeds between cruise airspeed and critically slow airspeeds.

Flight characteristics and aerodynamics associated with configuration changes applicable to the specific to the make and model of airplane provided for the practical test.

Airspeeds specific to the airplane for various operations, how to identify them on the airspeed indicator (if applicable), and their significance in airplane performance, including:

a. Design/operating maneuvering speed

b. Landing gear extended/operating speed, if applicable

c. Flaps extended/operating speed, if applicable

d. Best glide speed

e. Reference landing speed

f. Stalling speeds

Common errors related to this Task.

Lack of familiarity with airplane airspeed limitations and interpretation of the airspeed indicator.

Exceeding airspeed limitations.

Flight characteristics in the region of reversed command and the potential for loss of control.

Inadvertent exceedance of the critical angle of attack.

Range, limitations, and operational characteristics of airspeed indicators and stall warning indicators (e.g., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Unacknowledged stall warning indications.

Effects of environmental elements on airplane performance and controllability. (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Maneuvering at critically slow airspeeds.

Conduct and explain the procedure, manage the associated risk, and fly the airplane, while maintaining altitude ±100 feet, airspeed +5/-0 knots, heading ±10°, and specified bank angle ±5°, as appropriate.

Select an altitude that allows the maneuver to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL).

Clear the area.

Clean configuration demonstration:

a. Establish and maintain design/operating maneuvering speed appropriate to the airplane’s weight while describing pitch, power, and trim inputs to maintain altitude and airspeed, then;

b. With gear and flaps retracted (as applicable), slow the airplane to, and maintain, best glide speed (or as specified by evaluator), noting the power setting required, then;

c. Continue to slow the airplane to, and maintain, an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power would result in an immediate stall, and maintain that airspeed in level flight, noting the airspeed and power setting required, while;

d. Verbally acknowledging stall warning indications, then;

e. Without changing power setting, lower the pitch attitude and accelerate to a faster airspeed until reestablishing the airplane in level flight, noting the new airspeed and amount of altitude lost, then;

f. Return to normal cruise flight at the altitude and heading specified by the evaluator

Landing configuration demonstration.

a. Establish and maintain design/operating maneuvering speed appropriate to the airplane’s weight while describing pitch, power, and trim inputs to maintain altitude and airspeed, then;

b. Slow the airplane to, and maintain, the appropriate limiting airspeeds and fully extend the landing gear and flaps (as appropriate), then;

c. With gear and flaps fully extended (as applicable), slow the airplane to, and maintain, reference landing speed (or as specified by the evaluator), noting the power setting required, then;

d. With gear and flaps fully extended, continue to slow the airplane to, and maintain, an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction in power would result in an immediate stall, and maintain that airspeed in level flight, noting the airspeed and power setting required, while;

e. Verbally acknowledging stall warning indications, then;

f. Without changing power setting, lower the pitch attitude and accelerate to a faster airspeed until reestablishing the airplane in in level flight, noting the new airspeed and amount of altitude lost, then;

g. Return to normal cruise flight at the altitude and heading specified by the evaluator

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Purpose of and procedures for power-off stalls.

Aerodynamics associated with stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.

Factors and situations that can lead to a power-off stall and actions that can be taken to prevent it.

Fundamentals of stall recovery.

Common errors related to this Task.

Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent power-off stall, spin, and loss of control.

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Stall warning(s) during normal operations.

Stall recovery procedure.

Secondary stalls, accelerated stalls, and cross-control stalls.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to power-off stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).

Configure the airplane in the approach or landing configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.

Establish a stabilized descent.

Transition smoothly from the approach or landing attitude to a pitch attitude that induces a stall.

Maintain a specified heading, ±10° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±5° if in turning flight, until an impending or full stall occurs, as specified by the evaluator.

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).

Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Purpose of and procedures for power-on stalls.

Aerodynamics associated with stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.

Factors and situations that can lead to a power-on stall and actions that can be taken to prevent it.

Fundamentals of stall recovery.

Common errors related to this Task.

Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent power-on stall, spin, and loss of control.

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Stall warning(s) during normal operations.

Stall recovery procedure.

Secondary stalls, accelerated stalls, elevator trim stalls, and cross-control stalls.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to power-on stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).

Establish the takeoff, departure, or cruise configuration, as specified by the evaluator, and maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.

Set power to no less than 65 percent power.

Transition smoothly from the takeoff or departure attitude to the pitch attitude that induces a stall.

Maintain a specified heading ±10° if in straight flight; maintain a specified angle of bank not to exceed 20°, ±10° if in turning flight, until an impending or full stall is reached, as specified by the evaluator.

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).

Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Purpose of and procedures for accelerated stalls.

Aerodynamics associated with accelerated stalls in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

Stall characteristics as they relate to airplane design, and recognition impending stall and full stall indications using sight, sound, or feel.

Factors leading to an accelerated stall and preventive actions.

Fundamentals of stall recovery.

Common errors related to this Task.

Factors and situations that could lead to an inadvertent accelerated stall, spin, and loss of control.

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Stall warning(s) during normal operations.

Stall recovery procedure.

Secondary stalls, cross-control stalls, and spins.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to accelerated stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

Establish the configuration as specified by the evaluator.

Set power appropriate for the configuration, such that the airspeed does not exceed the maneuvering speed (VA) or any other applicable Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) limitation.

Establish and maintain a coordinated turn in a 45° bank, increasing elevator back pressure smoothly and firmly until an impending stall is reached.

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Execute a stall recovery in accordance with procedures set forth in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Flight Manual (FM).

Configure the airplane as recommended by the manufacturer, and accelerate to best angle of climb speed (VX) or best rate of climb speed (VY).

Return to the altitude, heading, and airspeed specified by the evaluator.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Aerodynamics of cross-controlled stalls.

Flight situations where unintentional cross-controlled stalls may occur.

Recognition of cross-controlled stalls.

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude.

Recovery procedure.

Common errors related to this Task.

Stall recovery procedure.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to cross-controlled stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Aircraft limitations.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

Configure the airplane (with gear down) and close the throttle.

Establish a normal glide airspeed and trim the airplane.

Roll into a medium-banked turn, apply excess rudder in the turn while holding bank constant with opposite aileron input, and add elevator pressure to keep the nose from lowering.

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

Describe and demonstrate conditions that lead to a cross-controlled stall for future avoidance.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Aerodynamics of elevator trim stalls.

Flight situations where elevator trim stalls could occur.

Recognition of elevator trim stalls.

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude.

Recovery procedure.

Common errors related to this Task.

Stall recovery procedure.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to cross-controlled stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Aircraft limitations.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

Retard the throttle and configure the airplane for landing.

Establish a normal glide airspeed and trim the airplane.

Advance the throttle to the maximum allowable power as in a go-around.

Acknowledge the cues at the first indication of a stall (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Recover at the first indication of a stall or after a full stall has occurred, as specified by the evaluator.

Adjust trim and return to the desired flightpath.

Describe and demonstrate conditions that lead to an elevator trim stall for future avoidance.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Aerodynamics of secondary stalls.

Flight situations where secondary stalls may occur.

Recognition of a secondary stall.

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude.

Recovery procedure.

Common errors related to this Task.

Stall recovery procedure.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to cross-controlled stalls (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Aircraft limitations.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL).

Enter a stall in a specified configuration and exceed the critical angle of attach a second time during the recovery.

Recover promptly and appropriately after a secondary stall occurs.

Describe and demonstrate conditions that lead to a secondary stall for future avoidance.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.

Purpose of and procedures for spin awareness and spins.

Aerodynamics associated with spins in various airplane configurations, including the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

What causes a spin and how to identify the entry, incipient, and developed phases of a spin.

Spin recovery procedure.

Human factors associated with spin instruction.

How to determine if an airplane approved for the spin maneuver based on airworthiness category and type certificate.

Flight situations where unintentional spins may occur.

Entry procedure and minimum entry altitude for intentional spins.

Control procedure to maintain a stabilized spin.

Recognize conditions that lead to a spin for future avoidance.

Orientation during a spin, including which instrument(s) are reliable for determining the directions of spin.

Recovery procedure and minimum recovery altitude for intentional spins.

Common errors related to this Task.

Factors and situations that could lead to inadvertent spin and loss of control.

Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).

Spin recovery procedure.

Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance related to spins (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).

Collision hazards.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Clear the area.

Select an entry altitude that allows the Task to be completed no lower than 4,000 feet AGL.

Enter and recover from an intentional spin if requested by the evaluator.

Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.