What is the goal of maneuvering during slow flight?

The goal of maneuvering during slow flight is to understand flight characteristics at slower speeds. During this training exercise, pilots learn how the aircraft behaves when operating near its stall speed, which is critical for improving their ability to recognize and manage potential stall situations.

By practicing slow flight, pilots gain insight into various handling qualities such as control responsiveness, the efficacy of pitch and power management, and how the aircraft reacts during turns, climbs, and descents at low airspeeds. This understanding is essential for ensuring safe operations in scenarios such as landing approaches or during go-arounds where reduced airspeed is common. The experience gained through this maneuver helps build a pilot's knowledge of the aircraft’s limitations and their own skill in managing the aircraft safely in critical flight regimes.