Slow flight is one of the most essential yet challenging maneuvers for new pilots to master — and for Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to teach effectively. It’s where control precision, aircraft handling, and situational awareness meet. That’s why at CFI Academy, we rely on a proven teaching method known as the Power–Pitch–Patience Framework — a structured approach that simplifies slow flight instruction and builds pilot confidence from the very first attempt.
In this article, we’ll break down this framework, explain why it works, and show you how to apply it during your next lesson.
✈️ What Is Slow Flight?
Slow flight is defined as flight just above stall speed where control inputs must be deliberate and coordinated to maintain altitude and heading. In this condition, the aircraft is highly dependent on power for altitude control and pitch for airspeed — the inverse of normal cruise flight.
Teaching slow flight effectively requires more than rote maneuvers. It demands structured communication and repeatable steps — which is where the Power–Pitch–Patience method comes in.
⚙️ The Power–Pitch–Patience Framework
This framework is built around three core concepts that instructors can use to sequence their teaching and demonstration of slow flight.
1. Power: Set and Manage Throttle First
Begin by setting the correct power setting for slow flight. This typically involves reducing throttle gradually while maintaining level flight until reaching a target airspeed just above stall speed.
Why it works: Power becomes the primary control for altitude during slow flight.
What to teach: Emphasize that small changes in throttle result in vertical speed changes. Make power setting your student’s starting point.
2. Pitch: Adjust the Nose to Maintain Altitude
Once power is set, the next step is to adjust pitch to maintain altitude. During slow flight, the aircraft requires a higher nose-up attitude to counteract reduced lift at slower speeds.
Why it works: Pitch becomes the tool for managing airspeed, which is now closely tied to the aircraft’s angle of attack.
What to teach: Show students that any pitch changes will directly affect their airspeed — and to trust their instruments, not just their sight picture.
3. Patience: Hold the Controls and Let the Plane Respond
This is the most under-taught part of slow flight: patience. Once you’ve adjusted power and pitch, the aircraft won’t respond instantly — especially in high-drag, low-speed configurations.
Why it works: Over-controlling is one of the most common mistakes in slow flight. Teaching students to wait and watch the response helps reduce correction loops.
What to teach: Introduce the concept of “lag time” in aircraft response. Encourage small corrections and deliberate observation before making another input.
✍️ Applying the Framework in Real Lessons
Here’s how CFIs can implement this structure step-by-step:
Demonstrate once with callouts: Narrate every action—“Power reduced, now adjusting pitch, now holding.”
Student practice in sequence: Guide them through each phase using the three keywords.
Debrief with structure: Ask them to reflect using Power–Pitch–Patience as a checklist.
🚫 What Happens Without the Framework?
Without a structured approach, students often:
Overcorrect with pitch or trim
Forget power adjustments when altitude drops
Get frustrated by delayed aircraft response
Lose confidence in slow flight maneuvers
By using Power–Pitch–Patience, instructors can reduce confusion and build confidence — turning slow flight into a favorite, not a fear.
🧑✈️ Why It Works for CFIs
At CFI Academy, we emphasize the importance of communication and structure in flight instruction. The Power–Pitch–Patience model:
Creates predictability in teaching
Promotes better retention in students
Reduces instructor workload during lessons
Aligns with FAA-recommended control use principles
Teaching slow flight doesn’t have to be complicated. With the Power–Pitch–Patience Framework, CFIs can deliver lessons that are clear, consistent, and effective. This method simplifies what can otherwise be a confusing experience and sets your students up for long-term success in their aviation journey.
