What is the minimum altitude required for performing slow flight, stalls, and demonstrations?

The minimum altitude for performing slow flight, stalls, and other demonstrations is typically set at 1500 feet above ground level (AGL) in many training environments. However, the choice of 5000 feet AGL is often favored as a standard safety practice for several reasons.

Performing these maneuvers at 5000 feet AGL provides a greater margin of safety, allowing for adequate recovery time and altitude to avoid potential hazards. This altitude also offers more room to work through the recovery process, especially since stalling an aircraft may result in loss of altitude, and having additional height provides a buffer against unexpected situations.

Moreover, flying at such an altitude usually places the aircraft above typical obstacles and allows for better management of airspace while maintaining sufficient vertical separation from other aircraft. This consideration is particularly important in training environments where students may have less experience managing multiple parameters simultaneously.

While lower altitudes could theoretically be sufficient for conducting maneuvers, the higher altitude ensures student pilots are practicing in a safer and more controlled environment, allowing them to focus on the skills without the immediate concern of terrain or obstacles.