Slow Flight/Minimum Control Maneuvers (SFMCM) -Cont.

T-34C CONTACT

CHAPTER SIX

The instructor should provide a basis for comparison of control pressures and rates of

response. While in cruise flight at cruise airspeed, the student should use rudder, aileron

and elevator and note the pressure applied and the response rate. Transition to the landing

approach configuration.

Then, while maintaining heading and altitude, reduce power to 400 ft-lbs., slowing the

aircraft to 25-26 units AOA. As speed is reduced, a change in pitch attitude is needed in

order to maintain altitude. There will be a point at which pitch change alone does not

increase lift to the point that altitude can be maintained. Power must be added

(approximately 475-500 ft-lbs.)

When properly trimmed and on airspeed, the student should recognize that the aircraft is

close to operating limits; sight, sound and feel give the clues. The pitch attitude of the

nose, the angle of the wingtips in reference to the horizon, the sound of the engine

compared to the lack of wind noise, and the lessened resistance to control pressures and the

need of elevator and rudder trim, all indicate to the pilot that the aircraft is at a low

airspeed.

Now apply aileron, elevator, and rudder pressures and note the response. Everything still

affects the aircraft the same way, except that greater control movement is needed to

produce the same rates of response that were obtained at cruise speed. Now roll smoothly

in a medium banked turn. This is done to show that the aircraft is maneuverable even at

low airspeed. The medium bank results in a high rate (small radius) of turn at this low

airspeed and an increase in angle of attack. It will seem that the aircraft is almost pivoting

over a point on the ground. Notice that a steep bank is not needed in order to obtain a high

rate of turn when operating at low airspeeds.

The turn made at medium bank is also used to demonstrate that a level turn does increase

stall speed (and AOA) and, unless power is added, a stall will occur soon after the turn is

established. When the first indication of stall is felt, recognize the stall indication, and

gently recover by rolling out of the turn (add power if necessary). To complete the

maneuver, perform a level acceleration to normal cruise.

Procedures

CONFIGURATION: Trim the aircraft for 90 KIAS level flight in the landing

approach configuration. Turn landing lights on.

CHECKLIST: Perform the Stall Checklist aloud to your instructor.

CLEARING TURN: Conduct a level clearing turn for a minimum of 180.

Reduce power to 400 ft-lbs. torque. Maintain altitude. Retrim.

Reset power to stabilize aircraft at 25-26 units AOA (approximately 475-500 ft-lbs.)

and retrim. Rudder shakers (stall warning) will activate at 26 + units AOA.

Anticipate full deflection of rudder trim.

FLIGHT PROCEDURES 6-23