COMM.VII.A — Maneuvering During Slow Flight

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with maneuvering during slow flight.

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• CA.VII.A.K1Aerodynamics associated with slow flight in various airplane configurations, to include the relationship between angle of attack, airspeed, load factor, power setting, airplane weight and center of gravity, airplane attitude, and yaw effects.

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• CA.VII.A.R1Inadvertent slow flight and flight with a stall warning, which could lead to loss of control.
• CA.VII.A.R2Range and limitations of stall warning indicators (e.g., aircraft buffet, stall horn, etc.).
• CA.VII.A.R3Failure to maintain coordinated flight.
• CA.VII.A.R4Effect of environmental elements on airplane performance (e.g., turbulence, microbursts, and high-density altitude).
• CA.VII.A.R5Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, and wires.
• CA.VII.A.R6Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• CA.VII.A.S1Clear the area.
• CA.VII.A.S2Select an entry altitude that will allow the Task to be completed no lower than 1,500 feet AGL (ASEL, ASES) or 3,000 feet AGL (AMEL, AMES).
• CA.VII.A.S3Establish 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., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.).
• CA.VII.A.S4Accomplish coordinated straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents with the aircraft configured as specified by the evaluator without a stall warning (e.g., airplane buffet, stall horn, etc.).
• CA.VII.A.S5Maintain the specified altitude, ±50 feet; specified heading, ±10°; airspeed, +5/-0 knots; and specified angle of bank, ±5°.