Because a gyroplane cannot be stalled, it may be tempting to increase the climb rate by decreasing airspeed. This practice, however, is self-defeating. Operating below the best angle-of-climb speed causes a diminishing rate of climb. In fact, if a gyroplane is slowed to the minimum level flight speed, it requires full power just to maintain altitude. Operating in this performance realm, sometimes referred to as the “backside of the power curve,” is desirable in some maneuvers, but can be hazardous when maximum climb performance is required. For further explanation of a gyroplane power curve, see Flight at Slow Airspeeds, which is discussed later in this chapter.