SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-slow-flight-backside

Flying slower than the best lift-to-drag speed (L/D max), what does it take to fly even slower?

More power. This is the back side of the power curve.

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  1. More power ✔
  2. Less power
  3. No change in power

Why: Below L/D max, induced drag rises fast as you slow down. So slower flight takes more power, and the airspeed can keep decaying unless you lower the nose or add power.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA says slow flight practice should end no lower than 1,500 feet AGL in a single-engine airplane.

The dad joke
Slow flight is the only time adding power helps you go slower. Airplanes are weird like that.
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References

Answer: More power. Below L/D max, induced drag rises fast as you slow down. So slower flight takes more power, and the airspeed can keep decaying unless you lower the nose or add power.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 5 Maintaining Aircraft Control www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    When flying at speeds below L/DMAX, more power is required to fly even slower.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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