Lesson 3d - 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 (2024), Chapter 7, page 7-45,46  Slow Flight