Steep Turns

Objective

To develop smoothness, coordination, orientation, division of attention, and control techniques while executing high performance turns.

	Maneuver	Duration
1	Travel to training area	10 Minutes
2	Instructor demonstration	10 Minutes
3	Student practice	30 Minutes
4	Return from practice area	10 Minutes
5	Post-flight review	10 Minutes

Total time: 1:20

Equipment

You will need a functional aircraft, a free practice area, an airport, and an instructor

Tasks

Instructor's Actions

1. Conduct preflight training on the elements of a steep turn
2. Demonstrate steep turns.
3. Conduct post flight briefing.

Student's Actions

1. Ask questions, review homework.
2. Perform preflight.
3. Observe demonstrations.
4. Perform steep turns in accordance with the PTS.

Completion Standards

Student performs each landing in accordance with the PTS.

Performance Criteria

1. Relationship of bank angle, load factor, and stalling speed
2. Over banking tendency.
3. Torque effect in right and left turns
4. Selection of a suitable altitude.
5. Orientation, division of attention, and planning.
6. Appropriate power setting and airspeed prior to entry.
7. Entry and rollout technique.
8. Coordination of flight controls.
9. Differential wing drag.
10. Altitude, bank, and power control during the turn

Common Errors

1. Improper pitch, bank, and power configuration during entry and rollout.
2. Uncoordinated use of flight controls.
3. Inappropriate control applications.
4. Improper technique in correcting altitude deviations.
5. Loss of orientation.
6. Excessive deviation from desired heading during rollout.

Introduction

An aircraft in a turn is subject to increasing load factors. These load factors double to 2 g at a 60° bank, and at a 70° bank, the load factor triples to 3 g. Most light twin-engine aircraft are rated only to 3.8 g. Our steep turns today are going to be around 50° of bank (45° for private pilots, 50° commercial). Our purpose here is to show you how to control the airplane in such steep turns and to give you a feel for what increased g-force feels like. You will need almost full power to make these turns. If you perform the turns correctly, you will complete two 360° turns (one in each direction) and will maintain airspeed and altitude. In a light single-engine aircraft, you may even feel some buffeting as you cross your own wake. This is perfectly normal.

Checklist for Flight

Lesson Requirements

1. 1. Task: Perform a steep turn.
   2. Condition: Given a functional aircraft.
   3. Standard: IAW the PTS.
      1. Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to steep turns.
      2. Selects an altitude that will allow the task to be performed no lower than 1,500 feet (460 meters) AGL.
      3. Establishes the manufacturer’s recommended airspeed or if one is not stated, the examiner may designate a safe airspeed not to exceed VA .
      4. Rolls into a coordinated 360° turn; maintains a 45° bank, ±5°; and rolls out on the entry heading, ±10°.\Performs the task in the opposite direction, as specified by the examiner.
      5. Divides attention between airplane control and orientation.
      6. Maintains the entry altitude, ±100 feet (30 meters), and airspeed, ±10 knots.
   4. ELO 1: Understand load factors.
      1. What is meant by a load factor? Load factor refers to the “weight” the wings must carry in order to keep the airplane aloft. In straight and level flight, the load factor is generally 1G. That is the wings must support the current weight of the airplane. As we perform maneuvers, the load factor changes. Turns probably develop the greatest load factors. At a 40° bank, the load factor is about 1.5G’s. By the time we reach a 60° bank, the load factor is 2G’s. At 70° banks, the load factor is 3G’s.
      2. Student Check:
         1. What is the weight of the airplane today? _______
         2. In a 45° bank, what is the weight (load factor) of the airplane? ______
         3. In a 60° bank, what is the weight (load factor) of the airplane? ______
2. ELO 2: Identify common errors in steep turns.
   1. 1. Improper pitch, bank, and power configuration during entry and rollout.
      2. Uncoordinated use of flight controls.
      3. Inappropriate control applications.
      4. Improper technique in correcting altitude deviations.
      5. Loss of orientation.
      6. Excessive deviation from desired heading during rollout.
3. ELO 3: Perform a steep turn.
   1. 1. Clearing turn.
      2. Set proper power (2100-2300 rpm).
      3. Ensure fuel pump is on.
      4. Left turn – slowly bank to 45° (50° for commercial) with coordinated rudder.
      5. Right turn – lead the turn with right rudder, then slowly bank to 45° (50° for commercial) and coordinate rudder.
      6. Spot bug on windshield and keep ball on attitude indicator just above white line.
      7. Use pitch to maintain attitude.
      8. Lead rollout to heading by half the degree of bank. For commercial, complete turn immediately in the opposite direction.
      9. Pitch down for level flight.
      10. Adjust throttle as needed.