Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer

I should point out, this happens at very high altitudes and/or gross weights, or when the atmosphere is warmer than standard, ie, all things that limit climb (or acceleration) performance.

I flew the Bus too (and am supposed to fly it again after mil-leave). If you get the Bus slow enough, without the automatic protections of the Bus, the same thing would happen. Actually, it might even happen with the protections...can't remember that particular feature (ie, if it limits the minimum-speed at level-off based on it's knowledge of power-available vs. thrust required).

Any time I'm trying to reach a level-off altitude and my airplane (whether a fighter or an airliner) can do 400 fpm or less, I'm concerned about getting slower than approximately the clean-maneuvering speed you would use on downwind in the traffic pattern, and not being able to correct with power alone.