Definition
The flight regime, occurring at airspeeds below the speed for minimum drag (or minimum power required), in which the normal relationship between airspeed and power is reversed. In this region, slower airspeeds require more power to maintain altitude, and increasing pitch to slow down further increases the power required rather than reducing it. Sometimes called the 'back side of the power curve.'
Plain English
A slow-flight zone where flying slower actually needs more engine power, not less. Once the airplane is below a certain speed, the usual rule that 'slower means less power' flips, and pulling the nose up to slow down forces you to add power just to stay level.
Context Anchor
Seen in slow flight, instrument approach discussions, and power-control explanations in the Instrument Flying Handbook.
Derivation
Reversed' here means the usual relationship is flipped. Normally, more airspeed needs more power, and less airspeed needs less power. In this region, that command relationship between pitch, speed, and power is reversed — slower needs more power.
Why Pilots Care
Recognizing this region prevents unintended altitude loss or stall during slow-speed maneuvers and approaches.
Grounding Statement
Picture flying a slow approach: you're already nose-high and slow. You ease back further to slow down — and instead of gliding gently, the airplane starts sinking and you have to add throttle just to hold altitude. That's the region of reversed command.
Intuition Check
Reversed command does not mean the flight controls work backward. It means the usual relationship between speed and power is reversed: slower level flight requires more power instead of less.
Example Sentence 1
On short final, the instructor pointed out that they were operating in the region of reversed command, so any sink would have to be corrected with power, not pitch.
Example Sentence 2
During slow-flight practice the instructor had the student identify entry into the region of reversed command by noting the need for higher power at lower speeds.