STEEP TURNS

Description

A maneuver consisting of a turn in either direction using a bank angle between 45º – 60º.

Objective

To develop the smoothness, coordination, orientation, division of attention, and control techniques necessary for the execution of maximum performance turns when the airplane is near its performance limits.

Elements

·         Clear the area

·         Choose forced landing area

·         Configure aircraft: straight-and-level, airspeed less than V_A (C172RG: 18” Hg, 2300 RPM, 106 KIAS at MGW), altitude ≥1600’ AGL

·         Select outside references

·         Establish bank between 45º – 60º and simultaneously apply back elevator pressure and add power (C172RG: trim up 2 half-turns and 23” Hg, 2300 RPM) to maintain altitude ± 100’ (stay above 1500’) (50º for commercial maneuvers, 45º for private maneuvers)

·         Trim as needed

·         Keep ball centered

·         Use external references: horizon for bank while also looking for traffic

·         Anticipate roll-out by leading approx. 20º (half bank angle) to original heading ± 10º

·         Upon completion of 360º turn (usually left), complete a second 360º to the opposite direction (usually right); a perfect turn will end with slight turbulence as you hit your own wake

·         Adjust pitch, power, trim as necessary

·         Maintain ball centered

·         Look for traffic

In side-by-side airplanes, pilots on the left seat tend to dive on turns to the left because the nose appears to rise when making a left turn, and vice versa. This is known as parallax error.

Common Errors

·         Failure to clear area

·         Excessive pitch change during entry or recovery

·         Starting recovery prematurely

·         Failure to stop the turn on a precise heading

·         Excessive rudder during recovery, resulting in skidding

·         Inadequate power management

·         Poor coordination

·         Gaining altitude in right turns or losing altitude in left turns

·         Failure to maintain a constant bank angle

·         Disorientation

·         Attempting to perform maneuver by instrument reference instead of visual

·         Failure to scan for traffic during the maneuver

References

FAA-H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook p. 3-7, 9-1