Simviation Forums

I'm currently in a debate with a woman, so I need some help!!! (I know they are always right )
The debate has to do with are Stalls and Slow flight the same thing?
My definition is that Slow Flight is actually manuvers at low speed, and Stalls are when the plane basically stops flying do to loss of lift and airspeed caused when airflow over the wings is disrupted.
Her side is that they are both the same.
I tried to explain reasons for slow flight, cropdusting, sightseeing, cargo drops etc. but she still insist that a stall and slow flight are identical.
I might sound bias but I belive my definitions are closer to the truth.
Anyone have a better explaination? If so I will be extremly greatfull!!!!!!!!!!!!!

you are right, if you reallly want I can pull out the FARs and give you an exact legal definition of each, which will prove you right...Im busy with school work right now (Im taking a break and enjoying my posting stuff ) I can come back tomorrow and post em up

eh forget school work, tell the lady, on the next trip to Barnes&Nobles (other book stores might have it) go to the car/motorcycle/aviation section and look into the FAR/AIM section 61.107  it's pretty straightforward but if you need more proof... I qoute from the ASA published book, OK'd by the FAA, and it defines them as--

"VIII.  AREA OF OPERATION:  SLOW FLIGHT AND STALLS..
......A.  TASK:  MANEUVERUING DURING SLOW FLIGHT......
3.  Establishes and maintains an airspeed at which any further increase in angle of attack, increase in load factor, or reduction of power, would result in an immediate stall." (left out most of the points, too much to type)

your definition of a stall was close enough for me not to find it and qoute it exactly

Thanks for taking the time!
After I shut down the computer last night that is what I did, grabbed the FAR/AIM and looked it up.
My definition of it wasn't as "colorful" but easier on the eyes

This is how I would explain it to a novice. Slow flight is simply flying slow. The pilot is in full control of the aircraft at all times. A stall is quite different as the pilot loses control. Without sufficient lift to support it the aircraft will fall out of the sky. This is obviously most dangerous at low altitudes as regaining full control involves diving to regain airspeed & re-establish a smooth airflow over the wing.

If the correct recovery procedure is not followed there is always the danger of a stall developing into a spin. Many early aviators & WWI pilots were killed because nobody knew what caused it or how to recover from a spin. The natural reaction is to pull back on the stick to try to raise the nose which has the opposite effect & makes the stall/spin worse.