Definition
Flight at airspeeds just above the stall, where the airplane is operating on the back side of the power curve and requires higher angles of attack and increased power to maintain altitude and controlled flight.
Plain English
Flying at a speed that is only a little faster than the speed at which the wing would stop producing enough lift. The nose is held high, the airplane feels mushy, and you need extra power to keep it from sinking.
Context Anchor
Seen in basic flight training when practicing straight-and-level flight, low-speed handling, approaches, and preparation for landing work.
Why Pilots Care
Develops the ability to maintain positive control at low airspeeds, which is essential for safe takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds.
Grounding Statement
In slow flight, the airplane is still flying, but it is closer to the low-speed edge where small control or power changes matter more.
Intuition Check
Slow flight does not mean the airplane is barely moving or out of control. It means controlled flight near the low-speed end, before the airplane reaches the point where the wing can no longer keep it flying normally.
Example Sentence 1
During the lesson, the instructor had the student establish slow flight in the landing configuration and hold altitude with rudder and power.
Example Sentence 2
During the lesson the instructor asked for slow flight to show how the controls become less effective at very low airspeeds.