Definition
In flight instruction, maneuvers that carry a higher-than-normal risk of loss of control, structural stress, or unsafe ground or traffic conflict if performed incorrectly. Examples include stalls, spins, low-altitude maneuvering, simulated engine failures, and certain crosswind operations. Instructors are expected to brief these maneuvers thoroughly before flight, demonstrate them, supervise the learner closely, and be prepared to take control immediately if the maneuver is mishandled.
Plain English
These are flight exercises that can become dangerous quickly if done wrong, so the instructor explains them carefully on the ground first, shows the learner how to do them, watches closely while the learner tries them, and is ready to take the controls if needed.
Context Anchor
Used in flight instruction when deciding whether a learner is ready to perform a task while the instructor supervises and remains ready to take control.
Derivation
Potentially comes from the idea of having power or possibility. Hazardous means involving danger or risk. Maneuver comes from an older French word meaning to work by hand, which fits aviation because a maneuver is a deliberate handling of the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Instructors must recognize and manage these maneuvers to prevent training accidents and maintain safety margins.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as meaning the maneuver is forbidden or always dangerous. It means the maneuver has enough risk that it needs the right conditions, close supervision, and quick correction if control or judgment starts to break down.
Example Sentence 1
Before the lesson, the instructor briefed the stall series as a potentially hazardous maneuver and reviewed the recovery steps on the ground.
Example Sentence 2
Before the lesson the student reviewed which maneuvers the handbook lists as potentially hazardous maneuvers so they could brief them properly.