Minimum Controllable Airspeed

Lesson Objective

The student will learn how to fly the glider on the cusp of a stall -- without allowing the glider to actually stall. If performed correctly, the glider will show many or all of the six signs of a stall. Also, the student will be expected to perform shallow-banked turns while flying in Minimum Controllable Airspeed (MCA).

Regulatory Requirement

§61.87(i)(8)
Private Pilot Practical Test Standard V-A
Private Pilot Practical Test Standard IX-A

Content

Performance of the glider at MCA in level flight.
Performance of the glider at MCA during turns.
Performance of the glider at MCA without causing the aircraft to stall.
Performance of the glider at MCA while showing the six signs of a stall (without stalling).

Completion Standards

The student must be able to perform

Appropriate clearing turns before the maneuver
MCA in level flight
MCA in turns.

Prerequisite Study

Glider Flying Handbook, page 7-27, "Signs of an impending stall will include..."
Learning to Fly Gliders, page 25
Glider Flying Handbook, page 7-26

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