S-TURNS ACROSS A ROAD

Description

A practice maneuver in which the airplane’s ground track describes semicircle so equal radii on each sides of a selected straight line on the ground.

Objective

To teach the ability to compensate for drift during turns, orient the flight path with ground references, follow an assigned ground track, arrive at specified points on assigned headings, and divide the pilot’s attention.

Elements

·         Clear the area

·         Choose forced landing area

·         Configure aircraft: flaps and gear up, maneuvering speed ≤V_A (C172RG: 18” Hg, 2300 RPM, approx. 100 KIAS), straight-and-level at altitude between 600-1000’ AGL, trim to maintain altitude

·         Select a straight ground reference perpendicular to the wind

·         Approach ground reference from upwind side (have a tailwind)

·         Start first turn to the left (steepest bank) upon crossing the ground reference

·         When aircraft is parallel to ground reference the aircraft should have a moderate bank and groundspeed is decreasing

·         Approaching the reference point again the aircraft should have its shallowest bank

·         A proper maneuver will result in wings level and parallel to the reference upon crossing

·         Start second turn to the right (shallowest bank) upon crossing the ground reference

·         When aircraft is parallel to ground reference the aircraft should have a moderate bank with groundspeed increasing

·         Approaching the reference point again the aircraft should have its steepest bank

·         At completion of the maneuver, wings should be level and parallel to the reference upon crossing

·         Maintain ball centered

·         Look for traffic

Common Errors

·         Failure to adequately clear the area

·         Poor coordination

·         Gaining of losing altitude

·         Inability to visualize the half circle ground track

·         Poor timing in beginning and recovering from turns

·         Faulty correction for drift

·         Inadequate visual lookout for other aircraft

References

FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook p. 6-6