STEEP SPIRAL

Description

A maximum performance maneuver that requires you to combine steep-spiraling descent with the basic elements of turns about a point.

Objective

To develop pilot techniques for airspeed control, wind drift control, planning, orientation, and division of attention, with practical application for emergency landings.

Elements

·         Clear the area

·         Choose forced landing area (ideally adjacent to encircling point)

·         Configure aircraft: straight-and-level, altitude sufficient to allow three complete turns and still be ≥1000’ AGL, (C172RG: 5000’ AGL minimum), CCGUMPS (propeller to full), flaps 0º

·         Select outside references (point to encircle, ideally adjacent to a forced landing area)

·         Throttle to idle, propeller to full

·         Establish best glide speed (C172RG: 75 KIAS 0º Flaps)

·         Establish a constant radius circle allowing a bank of ≤60º about ground reference point

o        Close enough to allow no more than 60º of bank at the steepest point

·         Maintaining a constant airspeed by adjusting pitch and bank as necessary to correct for wind

·         Trim as necessary

·         Clear the engine when into the wind (advance throttle to normal cruise momentarily)

·         Complete at least three complete 360º turns, but do not descend below 1000’ AGL unless the maneuver is to be followed by an emergency landing

·         Maintain ball centered

·         Look for traffic

Objective with a 60º bank is to get down fast (high bank eliminates lift component) safely.

Common Errors

·         Failure to clear area

·         Failure to maintain constant airspeed

·         Poor coordination, resulting in skidding and/or slipping

·         Inadequate wind drift correction

·         Failure to coordinate the controls so that no increase/decrease in speed result when straight glide is resumed

·         Failure to scan for other traffic

·         Failure to maintain orientation

References

FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook p. 9-3