At what approximate airspeed and power setting should the slow flight maneuver be performed?

The slow flight maneuver is a crucial practice for pilots, allowing them to experience and understand control responses at low airspeeds and high angles of attack. Performing slow flight at approximately 85 KIAS with a power setting of 45% is ideal because this speed provides a good compromise between control and safety margin, ensuring that the aircraft remains stable and responsive without approaching stall conditions.

At 85 KIAS, pilots can effectively simulate flight just above stall speed while maintaining control authority, which is essential for learning the characteristics of the aircraft in this regime. The 45% power setting generally maintains altitude during the maneuver without creating excessive lift or drag, allowing for a more accurate assessment of slow flight handling qualities.

This combination of airspeed and power setting helps the student pilot focus on controlling the aircraft rather than worrying about recovering from an unintended stall, providing an optimal learning environment during this vital training exercise.